Epicutaneous peanut patch device for the treatment of peanut allergy.

Food allergy prevalence has increased in recent decades, which has mobilized efforts to develop treatment alternatives. Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) is a novel method that involves transdermal administration of peanut allergen with the objective to induce tolerance. Recent clinical trials have shown its efficacy at increasing the eliciting dose in children with a favorable safety profile. Areas covered: […]

Evidence for a Role of TGF-β-Activated Kinase 1 and MAP3K7 Binding Protein 3 in Peanut-Specific T-Cell Responses.

Peanut allergy is considered to be the most common cause for food-induced anaphylaxis. Currently, no approved treatment is available. Avoidance is the only measure to prevent anaphylactic reactions to peanuts. T-helper cells are of special importance for the sensitization process and the maintenance of allergic inflammation. Identifying markers of allergen-specific T-cell responses may help to develop […]

Microbial Adjuncts for Food Allergen Immunotherapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Food allergen immunotherapy may benefit from adjunct therapies to enhance safety and efficacy. We review preclinical studies investigating the effects of probiotics and other microbial-based interventions on oral tolerance, describe the human clinical trial evidence thus far for microbial adjuncts, and discuss steps for translating research findings in this area to clinical […]

Investigation of reduced ELISA recovery of almond and hazelnut traces from roasted nut samples by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry.

Western society is facing an increase in the number of food-allergic individuals, with rising incidence in the past years. Therefore, allergen-free food and accurate and reliable analysis of allergen contamination are essential for the protection of consumers. Yet, there is limited understanding on the effect of food processing on allergenicity and on the ability of […]

Walnut oral immunotherapy for desensitisation of walnut and additional tree nut allergies (Nut CRACKER): a single-centre, prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of oral immunotherapy for tree nut allergy has not been demonstrated to date, and its effectiveness is complicated by the high prevalence of co-allergies to several nuts. This study aimed to investigate the use of walnut oral immunotherapy in the desensitisation of walnut and additional tree nuts in patients who […]

Lipophilic allergens, different modes of allergen-lipid interaction and their impact on asthma and allergy.

Molecular allergology research has provided valuable information on the structure and function of single allergenic molecules. There are several allergens in food and inhalant allergen sources that are able to interact with lipid ligands via different structural features: hydrophobic pockets, hydrophobic cavities, or specialized domains. For only a few of these allergens information on their associated ligands […]

Nuts for a Healthier World’s Campaign from INC Raises €47,800 to Fight Against Child Malnutrition

Since January €47,800 has been raised for the international NGO Save the Children through Nuts for a Healthier World Campaign. INC International Nut and Dried Fruit Council’s global campaign has exceeded the initial €40,000 goal. With this achievement, Save the Children can provide a monthly supply of nutritional packs to more than 2,041 severely malnourished children from Mauritania, South Sudan and Bangladesh.