Scientists have found a molecule that prevents the development of allergies
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Scientists from the Institute of Allergy and Immunology of La Hoya discovered a molecule of the releasing factor of histamine (FGP), which can become a potential target for the development of new treatments for numerous allergic reactions, including asthma.
The study is published in the journal Clinical Investigation.
In addition, the team led by Toshiaki Kawakami, first showed the role of the molecule of HRF in the development of asthma and certain types of allergies.
Juan Rivera, deputy scientific director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, said that these discoveries reveal the essence of the function of HRF in allergic diseases.
Rivera explains: "We saw how HRF contributes to increasing the susceptibility of individuals to the development of allergic diseases, and also unraveled some of the mechanisms of allergy development that we do not understand. The most encouraging thing is that we can block the influence 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 of intercellular interactions that lead to the development of asthma and allergy, but the specific purpose of the HRF molecule and the mechanism of its action was not clear.
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system begins to attack substances (allergens) that are in the environment, which are usually harmless, such as pollen, dust, dust mites. When the immune system is exposed to allergens, IgE molecules stimulate mast cells and basophils. These cells secrete histamine and other compounds that cause allergy symptoms.
Over the past few decades, the prevalence of asthma has increased significantly, reaching the level of the epidemic in the United States and other developed countries. In the US, 20 million people suffer from asthma, including 9 million children. In developed countries, between 10% and 20% of the population suffer from this or that type of allergy.
Scientists in their study were able to block the interaction of HRF with molecules of specific antibodies (IgE), which are known to be the main causes of allergy development. In addition, scientists identified two peptides (N19 and H3), which prevent the interaction of molecules of HRF and IgE, thus stopping the development of the allergic cascade.
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