How having a pet dog can alter some children's immune systems
Researchers examined data on 280,000 people and found that early exposure to dogs could reduce the likelihood of developing eczema in children with a specific genetic variation.
The study identified a link between early dog exposure and a variation in genetic code near the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) protein, which is involved in immune cell function and inflammation.
Experts suggest that the IL-7R protein may be a target for future eczema treatments or prevention strategies, potentially allowing intervention in the rise of allergic diseases.
Academics caution that the study did not examine the impact of dog exposure on existing eczema and that introducing a dog could worsen symptoms in some children.
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