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Hindustan Times
01-08-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Can you overcome an allergy?
ALLERGIES Are on the rise. Every year more people clog up in springtime or succumb to itchy eyes in the presence of pets. In America the share of children with food allergies rose from 3.4% in 1997 to 5.8% in 2021, and there were similar increases elsewhere. But treatments allowing people to manage their allergies—even the most dangerous ones—are becoming increasingly effective, accessible and safe. Allergies arise when the immune system gets confused. Normally tasked with protecting the body from pathogens, in people with allergies it also reacts to harmless irritants, or allergens. In overactive immune systems, proteins responsible for recognising dangerous invading parasites, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, start to become sensitive to allergens, too. This can cause them to raise the alarm each time they come into contact with the allergen, which prompts the body to produce a signalling chemical known as histamine. When the body is under threat from a parasite, histamine can help expel it by producing mucus and provoking coughing. But for people with allergies, the response can go overboard, causing allergic symptoms such as wheezing and hives. In the worst case, histamine can provoke a whole-body reaction known as anaphylactic shock, which can block the airways and cause suffocation. Desensitisation is possible. A family of treatments known as immunotherapies work by repeatedly exposing the body to tiny and gradually increasing amounts of allergen. For common allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, immunotherapy—in the form of drops, shots or tablets—is now common, and highly effective for most people. Progress has been slower for food allergies, in part because they carry a higher risk of anaphylaxis. The outlook has started to brighten. In 2020 America's Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral immunotherapy for children with peanut allergy, a powder containing peanut protein. Children who take the powder with food react less, but the increased dosage must be given under medical supervision to avoid reactions and children should still follow a strict peanut-free diet. Options that could allow patients to increase their tolerance more safely are on their way. Companies are developing immunotherapies based on small fragments of allergen proteins called peptides. These seem to increase tolerance to the allergens without setting off harmful immune reactions. Another avenue is blocking IgE antibodies. In a trial in 2024, 79 of 118 people with allergies to several foods were able to ingest 600mg of their allergens after taking a monoclonal antibody called omalizumab for 16 to 20 weeks, compared with only five of the 59 participants in the control group. As patients must keep taking omalizumab to feel its effects, some researchers hope to prescribe it to patients while building their tolerance through regular or peptide immunotherapy. The burst of innovation is particularly good news for allergic adults. Because the immune system becomes less flexible with age, adults are harder to treat than children and are often excluded from immunotherapy trials. This, too, is changing. The omalizumab trial from 2024 included a small number of adults, and in April an adult-only trial showed that standard oral immunotherapy, done carefully over months, could build patients up to a dose of four daily peanuts. Curious about the world? To enjoy our mind-expanding science coverage, sign up to Simply Science, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
Scientific American
31-07-2025
- Health
- Scientific American
Allergens May Make Us Cough and Sneeze by Poking Holes in Airway Cells
The sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing elicited by some allergens are caused by proteins creating holes in airway cells, reports a study published this week in Nature. The findings challenge scientists' understanding of how allergies are triggered, says Feargal Ryan, who studies host–microbe interactions at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. Before this, the mechanism that triggers immune responses to allergens was not really understood. Researchers focused mostly on how a single allergen elicits a reaction, rather than looking for a generalizable mechanism. The results could also change allergy-treatment strategies, which typically target the allergen directly or downstream immune responses. Now, researchers can start looking for ways to target the hole-creating proteins that are initiating the immune response, Ryan says. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Pore-forming proteins Researchers based in Beijing, China, identified two proteins in the mould Alternaria alternata, which causes allergic reactions in about 5% of people, that trigger the airway inflammation seen during allergic reactions. Together, the proteins, called Aeg-S and Aeg-L, create a pore in the membranes of cells lining the nose, throat and lungs. This allows calcium ions to enter the cells and release molecules that alert the immune system to danger. The damage to cell membranes from these pore-forming proteins could be a 'common signal that our body uses to recognize something as an allergen', says co-author Mo Xu, who studies immune responses at Tsinghua University. To test how the proteins stimulated the immune system, the team treated lung cells with the proteins. Administering the proteins at the same time triggered a similar response as administering an extract of A. alternata, but this response was not seen when the proteins were given one at a time. The researchers also tested whether the proteins could cause an allergic airway inflammation in mice. Six hours after mice were given the proteins intranasally, the rodents showed immune responses similar to those triggered by exposure to A. alternata. The team also observed signs that the mice had developed a respiratory allergy, such as increased levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) — an antibody produced in response to allergens — after the mice were given the proteins every three days for two weeks. This response wasn't seen when the proteins were administered separately, or when mice were exposed to genetically modified mould lacking either protein. Common trigger The team suspected that other allergens with pore-forming proteins would also induce an immune response. When the researchers exposed mice to pore-forming proteins from the airborne mould Aspergillus niger — an allergen — and the venom of the sea anemone Actinia equina, they observed an immune response similar to that induced by Aeg-S and Aeg-L. They also found that allergic airway inflammation was triggered by pore-forming proteins from the earthworm Eisenia fetida, the king oyster mushroom Pleurotus eryngii, the bacterium Clostridium perfringens and the fungus Laetiporus sulphureus. The findings suggest that allergens that are unrelated to each other can trigger allergic reactions in the same way, because they have pore-forming proteins that have been conserved by evolution, says Ryan. 'This is a new way of thinking about allergens,' he says. Future treatments could look at whether there's a way to block or inactivate those proteins and stop the reactions, he adds. Xu says his team are investigating which immune-response pathways are activated after pore-forming proteins damage cell membranes, and whether allergens with proteins that don't form pores, such as those in dust mites or pollens, use the same pathway.
Newsweek
29-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
New Hope for People With Asthma & Eczema
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New understanding of a receptor key to allergic responses and anaphylaxis in conditions like asthma could offer a new treatment target for sufferers of a variety of conditions. This the promise of a study by researchers from China's Shenzhen and Wuhan universities, which have identified a mechanism that sustains the release of allergy-stimulating molecules from cells. Allergic conditions like asthma (affecting around 28 million people in the US) and eczema (31.6 million) have been on the rise in recent decades. The diseases are triggered by a type of white blood cell called mast cells, which release inflammatory molecules that promote allergic responses and create symptoms like itching, swelling and difficulty breathing. An illustration of an activated mast cell releasing histamine. An illustration of an activated mast cell releasing reactions begin when antibodies called 'lgE' produced by the immune system interact with 'FcεRI'—a receptor involved in allergies and parasite immunity—and antigens (a substance causing the immune system to react) on mast cells. This, the researchers explained, "set[s] the stage" for the release of allergic mediators. While scientists have considered targeting FcεRI as a promising treatment approach, it has so far been challenging to implement in the clinic. In the new study, however, the researchers focused on an enzyme called USP5, which controls the turnover of proteins and has been linked to inflammatory diseases like gum disease. They discovered that mast cells are dependent on USP5 to release allergy signaling molecules called histamine (hence common allergy medications called antihistamines) and β-hexosaminidase in response to lgE and antigen. The discovery, the researchers wrote, demonstrates "that USP5 may be an important target in the treatment of type I allergic diseases." Type I allergic diseases include hay fever, food allergy, anaphylaxis, most types of asthma and urticaria. "They are all IgE mediated reactions that involve mast cells as a shared target, but there are multiple pathways that contribute to their severity so it's not as simple as blocking one receptor, but it could be a useful addition to current treatment options," Dr. Elena Salagean, a consultant allergist at Holistic Allergy who was not involved in the present study, told Newsweek. Promisingly, in a mouse model of the potentially life-threatening and rapid allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, knocking out USP5 or treatment with the USP5 inhibitor called WP1130 was found to prevent mast cells from releasing the molecules and weakened allergic reactions. "The study shows a new potential target in reducing the release of histamine following contact with an allergen. Reducing histamine release from mast cells by blocking enzyme USP5 that's inside the mast cells means that less histamine will be released, so allergic reactions might be much milder," Dr. Salagean observed. "Previous studies have tried to block the whole of the mast cell receptors, with varying success. Rather than trying that, the novel part in this study is that it's targeting the receptor machinery, an enzyme called USP5 inside the cells, and by doing so, it affects how well this receptor works." Patient injecting let with auto epinephrine injector. Patient injecting let with auto epinephrine injector. Getty Images/AndreyPopov The research team also revealed that the interaction between IgE and FcεRI binding caused USP5 to perform a process called deubiquitylation, removing molecules from proteins. The biochemical modification further increased the stability of FcεRI, making the allergic reaction worse in terms of both strength and the time it lasts. "Current treatments work through various different ways, mostly blocking the downstream effects of mast cell activation. Antihistamines and steroids also block certain mediators, while biologics block chemicals and other enzymes in the allergy pathway," explained Dr. Salagean. "A USP5 inhibitor would be a direct blocker that works upstream at the control system of the mast cell receptors. By blocking this, it could reduce several mediators at the same time and reduce the strength of the mast cells response to an allergic reaction." Anaphylaxis is currently primarily treated with epinephrine (adrenaline), which can be administered with an auto-injector like an EpiPen, as well as urgent medical care. "It's all still early animal study findings but if one can design a drug that specifically targets and inhibits the USP5 enzyme, then it might have real potential. The difficulty lies in delivering it to right cells and making it selective enough, so it doesn't affect other enzymes or pathways at the same time. It's a long way out from being relevant to patients yet," added Dr. Salagean. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about allergy treatments? Let us know via health@ Reference Zhou, Z.-W., Xu, X.-T., Liang, Q.-N., Zhou, Y.-M., Hu, W.-Z., Liu, S., Jiao, Y.-X., Zhang, S.-C., Ji, K., & Chen, J.-J. (2025). USP5 deubiquitylates and stabilizes FcεRIγ to enhance IgE-induced mast cell activation and allergic inflammation. Science Signaling, 18(799).
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Hay fever symptoms could be prevented with ‘molecular shield' applied to the nose
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A "MOLECULAR shield" placed in the nose could prevent hay fever symptoms, a study suggests. Scientists have engineered an antibody that they say "opens the door to a new generation of precision allergy treatments". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A antibody placed in the lining of the nose could block hay fever symptoms, scientists say Credit: Getty The antibody was found to block hay fever symptoms when applied to the noses of mice. Around one in five people are allergic to pollen, known as hay fever, striking millions with streaming noses, sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing during the spring and summer. Scientists say more and more people have developed the allergy in the past few decades, with the number likely to continue rising. Aside from changes to health and genetics, scientists reckon factors like improved hygiene, widespread use of antibiotics and antiseptics, lifestyle changes, diet, pollution, and climate change are behind the massive surge in hay fever sufferers. Most people try to combat their symptoms with a mix of antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops. But a new study, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, suggests "molecular shields" could be used to combat hay fever in the future. Researchers in Kazakhstan have engineered an antibody, which when applied to the inside of the nose stopped mice developing hay fever and asthma symptoms in response to mugwort pollen. Mugwort is a type of weed that grows in the UK, which produces large amounts of allergenic wind-borne pollen. Its pollen season is generally between mid-June to late August. The plant is the most common cause of pollen allergies in central Asia and parts of Europe, where between 10 and 15 per cent of people with hay fever are allergic to it. Mum reveals stinging herself with nettles banishes hay fever symptoms 'in minutes' Study senior author Prof Kaissar Tabynov said: "This is the first time a monoclonal antibody designed to block a specific pollen allergen has been delivered directly into the nose, and been shown to protect against allergy symptoms in the upper and lower airways. "In the future, similar antibodies could be developed for other major pollen allergens, such as ragweed or grass. "This opens the door to a new generation of precision allergy treatments that are fast-acting, needle-free, and tailored to individual allergen sensitivities." The treatment is a type of "allergen-specific monoclonal antibody therapy". It involves researchers developing antibodies that either specifically recognise the allergen itself and block it, or bind to antibodies released by the immune system against allergies, known as IgE antibodies. Both stop the allergen - in this case hay fever - from triggering an allergic reaction. Up until now, researchers have injected antibodies into the bloodstream to achieve this. Prof Tabynov, of the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU), said: "Our method acts immediately and locally at the lining of the nose, by neutralising the allergen on contact. "This 'molecular shield' not only prevents IgE antibodies from being activated, but may also reduce inflammation through other mechanisms, such as calming immune cell responses and promoting regulatory pathways." The research team injected mice with a dose of mugwort pollen, stimulating them to produce antibodies against it. Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.' The mice were then humanely euthanised and their spleens harvested to isolate white blood cells. The white blood cells were fused with lab-grown cancer cells from mice with multiple myeloma, to make an antibody against mugwort pollen. Researchers then placed the antibodies in the noses of five mice, who were allergic to mugwort pollen after being injected with pollen extract. A further five mice made allergic to pollen weren't given the antibody, while another five weren't injected with pollen or given the antibody. Three weeks later, all the mice were exposed to mugwort pollen three times. The results showed that mice given the antibody displayed a "major reduction" in allergy symptoms compared to the other rodents. They had less swelling in response to the pollen - a common allergic reaction in rodents. They also rubbed their nose less frequently, indicating less irritation. They were able to breathe normally when exposed to pollen and they also had less inflammation inside their nostrils. The researchers concluded that the "molecular shield" was "effective" in blocking allergic reactions against mugwort pollen triggered by IgE, at least in mice. Prof Tabynov added: "Before this treatment can be tested in people, we need to adapt the antibody to make it suitable for humans - a process called 'humanisation' - and conduct additional preclinical safety and efficacy studies. "If these are successful and provided we have adequate support, we could begin clinical trials in two to three years, though bringing it to market would likely take five to seven years. "We are already planning for this transition and working on scaling up production."
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
World Allergy Day 2025 – Decoding Anaphylaxis: The dos and don'ts of the life‑threatening allergy
Every year on World Allergy Day, the global health community turns its attention to allergies and their aftereffect. World Allergy Day is celebrated annually on July 8th to raise awareness about allergies and their impact. It's a joint initiative of the World Allergy Organization (WAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The day aims to educate the public and healthcare professionals about allergies, promote understanding of allergic diseases, and advocate for better resources and care for individuals with allergies. In 2025, the spotlight is firmly on anaphylaxis, the most severe kind of allergic reaction. Striking rapidly and affecting multiple body systems, anaphylaxis can escalate from hives to respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse, or even fatality within minutes. Without rapid treatment, the consequences can be dire. Globally, 0.05–2% of people may experience anaphylaxis during their lifetime, with Emergency Department visits surging across age groups. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) has identified anaphylaxis as a fast-growing public health threat, with up to 5 million cases globally each year, and an estimated 8,000 deaths annually. Alarmingly, only 60% of countries guarantee access to epinephrine auto-injectors – life-saving devices critical in emergencies. Studies reveal that 52–60% of individuals at risk do not carry epinephrine, and in the UK, nearly one-third of children with serious food allergies remain unprescribed the critical EpiPen. On World Allergy Day, let's dive deep into the science of anaphylaxis, the vital dos for survival, the dangerous don'ts, and how to ensure readiness – because early action can make the difference between life and loss. What is Anaphylaxis ? Anaphylaxis is an acute, systemic allergic reaction that unfolds in two phases: an immune-driven release of histamine and mediators, followed by a late-phase inflammatory response that can intensify hours later. It's a swift allergic reaction triggered by allergens like foods (peanuts, shellfish), insect stings, medications, or latex that bind with IgE antibodies, triggering mast cell degranulation. It typically unfolds within minutes to hours. Symptoms encompass: Skin: hives, itching, swelling Respiratory: wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, breathlessness Cardiovascular: drop in blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness GI: nausea, vomiting, cramps Though less than 2% of people face anaphylaxis , hospital visits are steadily rising. Fatal outcomes are rare (< 0.5% in hospital cases), but the risk is high, especially when diagnosis or treatment is delayed. Critically, only epinephrine (adrenaline) halts this process – every second counts. The critical 'Dos' – immediate and effective response Use Epinephrine immediately: Inject intramuscular epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg, up to 0.5 mg adult dose) into the mid-thigh at the first sign of anaphylaxis. Early injection sharply reduces hospital admissions and fatalities. Request prescriptions for two auto-injectors and always carry them. Call emergency services: Use EMS even after epinephrine, as symptoms can recur in 30% of cases (biphasic reactions) within 1–72 hours. Monitoring at a hospital for at least 4–6 hours is standard; in severe cases, observation may extend to 24 hours. Educate your circle: Ensure family, caregivers, educators, and co-workers know how to recognize anaphylaxis and use auto-injectors. Advocacy for first-responder programs in high-risk public venues like schools, malls, and food courts is growing. Specialized follow-up: After an episode, consult an allergist for diagnosis, prevention planning, and consideration of immunotherapies – food or venom desensitization shows 80–98% effectiveness. The golden rule: Do use epinephrine IMMEDIATELY when anaphylaxis is suspected. It reverses airway swelling and increases blood pressure within minutes. The key 'Don'ts' – common and dangerous mistakes Don't wait for escalating symptoms: Delaying epinephrine sharply increases the risk of fatality and hospitalization. If in doubt, inject. Don't substitute with antihistamines alone: Antihistamines or steroids may help minor symptoms, but won't counter airway obstruction or shock – and are not substitutes for epinephrine. Don't assume one dose is enough: Up to 35% of patients need a second dose for symptom control. Don't skip preparations: Expired or absent auto-injectors, lack of an action plan, or ignorance among contacts can turn manageable scenarios deadly. When time is of the essence, avoiding these missteps can be just as important as taking action. Prevention and preparedness – Beyond the emergency hours Effective prevention complements rapid response. Know your triggers: Read labels carefully, inquire about ingredients in food, cosmetics, or industrial products, and avoid hidden allergens like 'natural flavor' or 'spices'. Maintain an action plan: Keep a personalized action plan ready to go. Work with an allergist to create a tailored plan – covering identification, emergency dosing, and follow-up steps. Training and awareness: Advocate for educational programs in schools and workplaces to train staff and implement clear protocols. Psychological readiness: Living with anaphylaxis risk can induce anxiety. Support groups and mental health resources improve resilience. Public policy matters: WAO and GA²LEN emphasize the need for widespread access to auto-injectors in public spaces – schools, dining venues, and transit hubs. Desensitization therapies: Under specialist care, allergy immunotherapy – venom immunotherapy or food desensitization – offers hope to reduce reactivity by 80–90% in select cases. Emerging innovations: The FDA's approval of Neffy, a needle-free epinephrine nasal spray, may help reduce injection hesitancy The final word Living with a risk of anaphylaxis carries a heavy emotional burden – for individuals and caregivers alike. To cope, seek psychological support – counseling, peer groups, or family therapy can help manage the chronic stress. Give community building a thought. Join support organizations like Anaphylaxis UK, and share stories for strength and solidarity. Empowerment through education often restores a sense of control – and that confidence matters when you're the one in crisis.
