Six genes causing peanut allergies identified

Hyderabad: In the first human trials carried out for peanut allergy, researchers have identified six genes that activate hundreds of genes which result in severe allergic reactions during and after consumption of peanuts. 

The results of the human trials have been published in Nature Communications. The study involved 40 children whose blood samples were taken before, during and after consumption of peanuts.

Children who were allergic to peanuts were selected for the study which was based on reactions and adverse side-effects. 

Associate professor Supinda Bunyavanich, who was associated with the study, said, “The study highlights the genes and a molecular process which are important to understand how peanut allergy works. Hopefully, this model will help us predict how strongly someone with peanut allergy will react.”

Dr Radha Shah, a consultant dermatologist, added, “The common medical causes which have been understood for allergy are predisposing factors like family tendency, less duration of breast feeding of infants, early weaning or introduction of solid foods. But why does it develop suddenly in adults after eating peanuts for years together is still not understood. There have been promising studies but it must work for a larger number of people.”

The identification of genes is one way forward, according to doctors. The present study of RNA sequencing will require more trials.  to make it, acceptable at the clinical-level.