SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2006

9/28/06

Current development in peanut allergy

Summary
Background - There appears to be an increasing prevalence of peanut allergy (PA), one of the most serious, potential life-threatening food allergies.

Findings - Some recent developments in PA were reviewed by Palmer and Burks of Duke Univ in Durham, NC. PA may be a Th1 and Th2 mediated process. The matrix of peanut proteins may be very important, if not essential, in the immune response to the peanut allergens which are not very stimulatory of immunity by themselves. Arah 3, as well as Arah 1 and Arah 2 are the major peanut allergens. There appears to be a relationship between the diversity of IgE antibody responses to different peanut allergens and the clinical severity of PA. Newer treatment approaches in PA include modified types of peanut immunotherapy, including incorporation of adjuvants. Some elements of Chinese herbal therapy have shown promise treating existent PA in experimental animal studies.

Reference
Curr Opin Allergy Immunol 2006;6: 202-206

Editor's Comments
The development described above may enhance methods to more effectively detect those at increased risk for developing PA and possibly improve avoidance measures. Attempts to modify PA by specific immunotherapy have not been particularly successful. However, concomitant use of omalizamab (anti-IgE) therapy may results in more success.

 

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