Researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra believe they are a significant step closer to creating better treatments for people with allergies, having identified the protein neuritin as an important component of the body’s response to allergens.
In extensive studies, the research group have shown that in the absence of neuritin there is increased susceptibility to death from anaphylaxis, highlighting its role in the prevention of life-threatening allergies. Investigations into the mechanisms behind these observations suggest that neuritin is an important part of the immune system that can naturally ward off allergic reactions by preventing the excessive formation of Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
The protein also appears to have a role in preventing autoimmune diseases and asthma as well as allergies, and the researchers hope this discovery will lead to development of better treatments than EpiPens or Ventolin. This step will help those in whom neuritin is not performing its proper function.
Reference: Gonzalez-Figueroa et al. 2021. Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.02.027
Additional information about the research discovery can be found in a media release on the ANU website.
