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Scientists have found a molecule that prevents the development of allergies
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Scientists at the La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology have discovered a molecule called histamine -releasing factor (HRF) that could be a potential target for developing new treatments for numerous allergic reactions, including asthma.
The study was published in the journal Clinical Investigation.
In addition, a team led by Toshiaki Kawakami was the first to show the role of the HRF molecule in the development of asthma and some types of allergies.
Juan Rivera, deputy scientific director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, said these findings provide insight into the function of HRF in allergic diseases.
Rivera explains, "We have seen how HRF can increase the susceptibility of individuals to developing allergic diseases, and we have also unraveled some of the mechanisms of allergy that were previously unknown to us. The most encouraging thing is that we can block the effects of HRF and thus develop new therapeutic strategies for treating allergic diseases."
According to Dr. Kawakami, HRF molecules have been studied for many years and were considered one of the factors in the intercellular interactions that lead to the development of asthma and allergies, but the specific target of the HRF molecule and its mechanism of action was not clear.
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system attacks substances (allergens) in the environment that are normally harmless, such as pollen, dust, and dust mites. When the immune system is exposed to allergens, IgE molecules stimulate mast cells and basophils. These cells release histamine and other compounds that cause allergy symptoms.
Over the past few decades, the prevalence of asthma has increased significantly, reaching epidemic levels in the United States and other developed countries. In the United States, 20 million people suffer from asthma, including 9 million children. In developed countries, 10% to 20% of the population suffers from some type of allergy.
In their study, the scientists were able to block the interaction of HRF with specific antibody molecules (IgE), which are known to be the main causes of allergy development. In addition, the scientists identified two peptides (N19 and H3) that prevent the interaction of HRF and IgE molecules, thus stopping the development of the allergic cascade.
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