Ongoing Research Into Asthma and Allergies

How Treatments May Change in the Future

May 6, 2009 Jacqueline Trovato

Dramatic advances in medical research have provided revealing information about the inner workings of asthma and allergies.

As researchers uncover new information about these diseases, they are focusing their attention on the development of more innovative and effective treatments.

Anti-IgE Treatment

People with allergies typically produce too much of a substance called Immunoglobulin E, or “IgE”. IgE is an antibody in the immune system that causes allergic symptoms by attaching to certain cells. When IgE cells come in contact with an allergen (such as pollen, animal dander, mold, or dust mites) a person who is sensitive to the allergen may experience asthma or allergy symptoms. Researchers are currently conducting studies involving adults and children who have moderate to severe asthma with a drug referred to as Anti-IgE Treatment. When taken, the Anti-IgE Treatment binds with IgE in the circulatory system and removes it.

Anti-IgE Treatment is most helpful for patients who have more than one allergic disease, and who are not responding to their current therapy. The treatment is given by injection under the skin much like traditional allergy shots. It may be used in conjunction with allergy shots, but Anti-IgE Treatment acts more quickly than allergy shots, which often are taken for years before making an effective difference. Anti-IgE Treatment may need to be administered only once or twice a month; and the length of treatment may vary per individual, but could go on indefinitely.

Gene Therapy

Researchers now believe that asthma symptoms (as with many other chronic diseases) are associated with certain defective genes in the human body. Great efforts are being made to identify and map these genes. Once these genes are located, people will be able to be genetically tested to determine if they are likely candidates for asthma. And, as scientists get closer to determining the presence of these genes, they will work to develop new therapies to correct these deficiencies.

The Role of Interleukin 5 (IL-5) and Interleukin 4 (IL-4)

A great deal of research has gone into the study of Interleukin 5 (IL-5) and Interleukin 4 (IL-4); substances termed a “cytokines.” Investigators believe that cytokines play an important role in triggering a series of events that cause asthma symptoms. If IL-5 and IL4 production can be controlled, we might be able to inhibit or even stop the inflammatory process.

T Cells and Their Influence

There has been great interest in recent years regarding T lymphocytes (T cells) and the potential role they play in the inflammatory response associated with asthma and allergies. One development has been the understanding of the differences between T1 and T2 cells. T1 cells defend the body against a number of infections; T2 cells don’t appear to do this. T1 cells have been shown to inhibit the inflammatory response; T2 cells have been shown to actually contribute to airway inflammation. Also, there seems to be a relationship between IL cytokines and T cells. IL-4 actually inhibits the production of T1 cells and promotes the expression of T2 cells. Researchers hope to find new ways to increase the production of T1 cells and to develop treatments based on these concepts.

In The Meantime, Continue Your Asthma and Allergy Management Plan

While it is important to stay abreast of these new, innovative future therapies and treatments, it is also important to remember that asthma and allergies are controllable through understanding and avoiding your triggers, careful monitoring of your condition, and adherence to your prescribed medical treatment plan.

Online Resources

The American College of Allergy and Immunology

www.acaai.org/public

One Minute Asthma/Pedipress

The copyright of the article Ongoing Research Into Asthma and Allergies in General Medicine is owned by Jacqueline Trovato. Permission to republish Ongoing Research Into Asthma and Allergies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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