Food allergies are prevalent during childhood and pose severe or even life-threatening risks. Researchers at National Jewish Health are actively developing strategies to prevent these allergies and have made significant strides in identifying early indicators of the condition.
A study recently published online in the March 2024 edition of the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology revealed groundbreaking findings from skin tape strips collected from the forearms of two-month-old infants, an age before any observable signs of food allergies. The researchers at National Jewish Health pioneered this non-invasive and gentle skin tape sampling technique specifically for young patients. The process involves applying tape to the skin to collect superficial proteins and lipids, which are then analysed to examine the constituents of the skin. Following the initial testing, the children were closely monitored until age two to determine if any allergies would manifest.
Dr. Evgeny Berdyshev, a distinguished researcher at National Jewish Health and the first author of the study, provided insightful explanations. He stated, “The immune system’s interaction with the skin barrier alters its composition. With our gentle skin tapes, we can detect whether the proteins on the surface are abnormal.” He further noted that the presence of abnormal lipids and proteins is an early indicator of potential future conditions such as atopic dermatitis and food allergies.
Dr. Donald Leung, the head of the Division of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology in the Department of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health and senior author of the study, highlighted the broader aims of the research. “Our goal is to identify individuals at risk of developing food allergies and intervene early by addressing abnormalities in the skin barrier, thus preventing these conditions,” he said.
Dr. Leung, the head of the Division of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology in the Department of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health and senior author of the study, shared insights on the ongoing efforts. He stated, “This study marks just the beginning. We have now identified a biomarker for atopic dermatitis and food allergies, characterised by abnormal lipids, microbes, and proteins. Our current trials involve administering a lipid cream to newborns to see if it can correct these abnormalities by penetrating and enriching the skin with fatty acids.” The researchers are also developing an anti-inflammatory cream based on their findings.
National Jewish Health is recruiting. It is one of four global sites participating in the study known as SEAL—an acronym for ‘Stop Eczema and Allergy.’ The study is looking for expectant mothers and babies aged between 0 and 12 weeks to participate in this pivotal research.
More information: Evgeny Berdyshev et al, Skin biomarkers predict the development of food allergy in early life, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.02.014
Journal information: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Provided by National Jewish Health
