Safer treatments for asthma and hay fever could result from modifying the
protein that causes the allergy to dust mites. Researchers working for the
Japanese company Asahi Breweries say that repeated injections of the allergen
can make the body 鈥渓earn鈥 to tolerate the protein better. But in rare cases the
treatment can cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock. However, in the current
issue of Nature Biotechnology(vol 15, p 754), the researchers report
that by removing a single sulphur to sulphur bond from the allergen molecule,
they were able to treat patients without any side effects.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Environment
Galapagos corals suggest climate change drives stronger El Ni帽os
News
Life
Astonishing whale feeding frenzy seen off the eastern coast of Greenland
News
Environment
Octopuses released into Adriatic Sea to tackle invasive crabs
News
Technology
Driving data can predict crash black spots before accidents happen
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles