US researchers have identified a mechanism that may explain the increased allergic response upon repeated exposure to certain allergens, after discovering that sensory neurons can retain a memory of prior exposure, making their response stronger when encountering the same substance or other substances sharing certain characteristics.
The study, conducted by researchers from the "Mass General Brigham" healthcare system and published in the scientific journal "Immunity" on September 22, indicated that sensory neurons responsible for itch and pain sensations can play a role in initiating and enhancing allergic responses.
Neuronal Memory
The researchers conducted experiments on mice, exposing their sensory neurons to allergens, including dust mites and a compound extracted from papaya fruit. They observed that the initial exposure caused changes within the cells, making them more prepared to respond upon subsequent exposure.
The results showed that this response is not limited to the specific allergen the cells were initially exposed to, but can extend to other substances that differ in molecular structure but share a specific enzymatic activity. This may explain the development of allergies to multiple substances in some individuals.
New Therapeutic Horizons
Lead researcher Caroline Sokol noted that understanding the mechanism by which sensory neurons acquire this memory could pave the way for developing new methods to prevent the onset of allergies or reduce allergic responses in the future.
These findings are significant given the prevalence of seasonal allergies, often linked to pollen, which cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Rising temperatures and climate changes may also contribute to prolonging pollen seasons and increasing exposure in certain regions.
The British newspaper "The Independent" reported on Tuesday that the results are still in the pre-clinical stage, necessitating further studies to explore their potential in developing future treatments.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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