Scientists have uncovered a groundbreaking pathway that could transform the prevention and treatment of life-threatening food allergies. This new research reveals that, contrary to previous beliefs, severe allergic reactions in the gut are driven by leukotrienes rather than histamine.
Leukotrienes are lipid-based molecules, produced by mast cells in the intestine. They have been shown to trigger inflammation and anaphylaxis when food allergens are ingested. This discovery is significant because it highlights a different mechanism for food-induced allergic reactions compared to those caused by allergens entering through the skin, which are primarily driven by histamine.
The study, conducted by researchers at Arizona State University in collaboration with Yale University, challenge the long-standing assumption that anaphylaxis follows the same pathway regardless of how allergens enter the body – through the skin, bloodstream, respiratory system or gut. This research underscores the unique role of the gut in responding to food allergens and could pave the way for more effective treatments. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in humans.
Reference: Bachtel, N.D. et al. Intestinal mast cell–derived leukotrienes mediate the anaphylactic response to ingested antigens. Science, 2025; 389 (6760) DOI: 10.1126/science.adp0246
