Microbial transplantation therapy (MTT) is showing promising potential as a pathway to longer-lasting protection and reduced allergic sensitivity for people living with peanut allergy. The treatment is delivered in capsules containing gut microbes purified from faecal samples taken from healthy, non-allergic donors.
Researchers in the United States have progressed this work into a Phase 2 clinical trial, following encouraging early results that suggest altering the gut microbiome may help retrain the immune system to better tolerate allergenic foods. The latest trial will test whether the therapy can increase peanut tolerance in adolescents and whether it can enhance the long-term effectiveness of oral immunotherapy.
Earlier research found that several participants were able to tolerate substantially larger amounts of peanut following treatment, with some experiencing marked reductions in allergic sensitivity. Researchers believe changes in the gut microbiome may help promote immune cells associated with tolerance while reducing those linked to allergic reactions.
While the treatment remains experimental, it could address the underlying causes of food allergy, rather than simply managing symptoms. If larger trials confirm these results, microbial transplantation could represent an important new direction in allergy treatment and prevention.
See further reporting on the Allergic Living website.
