A Breakthrough in Banishing Allergies

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have pinpointed a special type of immune cell that might hold the key to preventing food allergies. This discovery emerged from experiments with mice, and the findings have been detailed in the journal Cell.

The study shines a spotlight on RORγt+ cells, a group of immune cells nestled in the gut. Experiments revealed their crucial role in fostering tolerance to food allergens. When these cells were absent, the mice developed inflammation and allergic reactions to harmless egg proteins.

Normally, the immune system knows how to overlook food, distinguishing it from harmful invaders—a process known as food tolerance. Yet for millions of people, including children, this mechanism falters. Immune cells misread benign foods as threats, triggering reactions that range from rashes and itching to life-threatening breathing difficulties.

The researchers found that RORγt+ cells act as mediators, guiding other immune players to recognize food as safe. To prove this, they removed these cells from the mice’s intestines. Stripped of their protective influence, the animals lost their food tolerance and began showing allergy symptoms.

Significantly, the team notes that humans possess similar cells, raising the possibility of a future therapy that doesn’t just mask symptoms but stops allergic reactions before they start. Such an approach could extend beyond allergies, potentially aiding those with gut-related conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory disorders.