#WorldAllergyWeek: Scientists discover method that can reduce sensitivity to allergies

The World Allergy Congress was recently held in Orlando, Florida (USA) and one of the main points of discussion was the game-changing discovery scientists have made in terms of manipulating cells to prevent allergic reactions.

A method using immune cell transfer and genetic engineering, which can switch on or turn off people’s reaction to allergies, was discovered by scientists from the University of Queensland in Australia.

They were able to manipulate the immune response which triggers allergy symptoms in mice. An allergic response is typically caused by immune cells, commonly referred to as T-cells, reacting to a protein in an allergen.

The challenge lies in the fact that T-cells can become resistant to treatment over time.

Associate Professor Jonny Peter, head of the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the University of Cape Town said, “Animal experiments such as these give us a glimpse of what may be possible for the human immune system.

“The ability to re-programme the immune system of allergy sufferers to be tolerant is the holy grail. Currently, available immune therapies take at least three years of daily treatment and may not provide lifelong benefits. These therapies are currently only available for inhaled allergens like house dust mite and not for life-threatening food allergies. If translated to humans, this research would be a game-changer. However, mice are not human, and translation has a long way to go.

“Human trials are expected to start in about five to six years, and only time will tell whether it is a viable option,” he said.

In South Africa alone, an estimated 30 per cent of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis (inflammation in the nose, which occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air), while 40 per cent suffers from asthma.

Although scientists are sketchy on exactly how climate change will impact respiratory allergies, they said the extreme weather events of the past 10 years have resulted in massive changes in our climate to which biologic systems on all continents are reacting – something that doctors and allergy-sufferers should keep a close eye on.

Possible effects of climate change on respiratory allergies could be as follows:

• An increase in rain and heavy downpours, such as thunderstorms could lead to asthma epidemics, with sudden pollen surges and ruptures. Last year, tragedy struck Melbourne following the death of nine asthma sufferers after an unprecedented thunderstorm. The moisture in the air caused pollen to burst into hundreds of allergenic particles – akin to 150 bombs exploding at the same time, which triggered widespread asthma attacks.
• Global warming could increase the length and intensity of the pollen season causing prolonged respiratory allergy symptoms.
• On the flipside, a reduction in colder days could lower a patient’s risk of upper respiratory infections.
• Changes in atmospheric movement patterns may increase the occurrence of long-distance transport of pollen and pollutants.
• Increased air pollution and risk of wildfire smoke (CO2) could aggravate existing respiratory allergies.

“The rate at which allergic diseases and asthma are increasing worldwide is alarming. The World Allergy Organisation (WAO) reports that worldwide sensitisation to allergies in the environment is present in up to 40 per cent of the population. These disorders significantly impair a patient’s quality of life.

“World Allergy Week not only allows us to raise local awareness of allergic diseases but to also share new insights into preventing and managing allergic conditions. For now, there is no silver bullet that can treat each and every symptom, but antihistamines, decongestants and other treatments should offer relief, and immunotherapy should be considered. Thankfully international research shows a promising future for treating and possibly even preventing (certain) allergies all-together,” said Peter.

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