Activating a protein found on some immune cells seems to curb the cells’ job of letting out substances that launch allergic reactions, according to a study by Johns Hopkins researchers. Those findings may eventually lead to new treatments for allergic reactions.
Previous studies by Bruce Bochner and his colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center had zeroed in on Siglec-8, a protein important in allergic reactions. The protein is found on the surfaces of some types of immune cells, including eosinophils, basophils and mast cells. When functioning correctly, these cells are a valuable aid to keeping the body healthy and infection-free. In allergic reactions and asthma attacks, the cells unleash an overwhelming response that harms the body more than it helps.
Researchers are still unsure exactly how Siglec-8 inhibits mast cells from releasing immune-triggering chemicals. Follow-up experiments suggested that activating the protein keeps calcium from moving efficiently into the cells.
Activating a protein found on some immune cells seems to curb the cells’ job of letting out substances that launch allergic reactions, according to a study by Johns Hopkins researchers. Those findings may eventually lead to new treatments for allergic reactions.
Previous studies by Bruce Bochner and his colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center had zeroed in on Siglec-8, a protein important in allergic reactions. The protein is found on the surfaces of some types of immune cells, including eosinophils, basophils and mast cells. When functioning correctly, these cells are a valuable aid to keeping the body healthy and infection-free. In allergic reactions and asthma attacks, the cells unleash an overwhelming response that harms the body more than it helps.
Researchers are still unsure exactly how Siglec-8 inhibits mast cells from releasing immune-triggering chemicals. Follow-up experiments suggested that activating the protein keeps calcium from moving efficiently into the cells.
