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July 22, 2024 – A groundbreaking study from the University of Michigan has identified a new potential treatment for food allergies using inulin, a plant fiber known for its safety and versatility. Published in Nature Materials, the research demonstrated that inulin gel-based oral immunotherapy could effectively prevent allergic reactions in mice by targeting gut bacteria and promoting tolerance to various allergens. This innovative approach could offer sustained relief from food allergies, with further research needed to move towards clinical applications.
Major Advancement in Allergy Treatment
The study discovered that inulin, commonly found in dietary supplements, prebiotic sodas, and sweeteners, may serve as a new treatment option for food allergies. The gel-based therapy was successful in preventing severe allergic reactions to common triggers such as peanuts, egg whites, and milk. It worked by targeting bacteria in the gut, which play a crucial role in regulating immune responses.
“This is a significant breakthrough,” said James Moon, lead researcher and professor at U-M’s College of Pharmacy. “Inulin, a widely consumed dietary fiber recognized as safe by the FDA, forms the basis of the gel, making it a feasible and translatable option for clinical use.”
Multidisciplinary Research Approach
The research team, comprising experts in pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical and chemical engineering, internal medicine, and other fields, proposed that inulin gel addresses the root cause of food allergies rather than just managing symptoms. The inulin gel normalized the imbalanced intestinal microbiota in allergic mice, establishing allergen-specific oral tolerance and effectively suppressing allergic reactions.
“The therapy showed long-lasting protection even after the cessation of treatment, indicating its potential for sustained relief from food allergies,” noted Fang Xie, a graduate student who co-led the study.
Prevalence and Impact of Food Allergies
Food allergies affect as many as 1 in 3 adults and more than 1 in 4 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Accidental exposure to allergens can trigger severe reactions, making it a significant global concern, especially in developed nations.
Future Implications
While the findings are promising, further research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of inulin gel-based oral immunotherapy in humans. The study emphasized the role of the small intestine’s microbiota and metabolites in food allergy regulation, opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
The researchers, representing institutions around the world, including the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dongguk University in Seoul, Michigan State University, the University of Washington, and Osaka University, contributed to this groundbreaking work. The study’s comprehensive approach and international collaboration underscore the potential impact of these findings on global health.
Reference
“Inulin-gel-based oral immunotherapy remodels the small intestinal microbiome and suppresses food allergy” by Kai Han, Fang Xie, Olamide Animasahun, Minal Nenwani, Sho Kitamoto, Yeji Kim, May Thazin Phoo, Jin Xu, Fulei Wuchu, Kehinde Omoloja, Abhinav Achreja, Srinadh Choppara, Zhaoheng Li, Wang Gong, Young Seok Cho, Hannah Dobson, Jinsung Ahn, Xingwu Zhou, Xuehui Huang, Xinran An, Alexander Kim, Yao Xu, Qi Wu, Soo-Hong Lee, Jessica J. O’Konek, Yuying Xie, Yu Leo Lei, Nobuhiko Kamada, Deepak Nagrath and James J. Moon, 8 July 2024, Nature Materials. DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-01909-w
Disclaimer
Moon declares financial interests for board membership, as a paid consultant, for research funding, and/or as an equity holder in EVOQ Therapeutics and Saros Therapeutics, and U-M has a financial interest in EVOQ Therapeutics, Inc. The other authors declare no competing interests.
