Scientists discover what triggers allergic reactions to cats

[bananas]

Source: The Independent

Scientists have discovered the trigger for allergic reactions to cats, paving the way for developing preventative treatments.

A team at the University of Cambridge looked at the immune system's extreme reaction to cat allergens and discovered that the most common cause of severe allergic reactions are because of the Fel d 1 protein found in particles of cat skin, know as cat dander.

In a study published in the Journal of Immunology, researchers found that cat allergens activate a pathway in the body when in the presence of a common environmental bacterial toxin know as LPS.

Now, new treatments could be developed that attempt to block this pathway and inhibit allergic reactions.

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Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/scientists-discover-what-triggers-allergic-reactions-to-cats-8731181.html

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Via http://www.democraticunderground.com/122821153

[harun]

1. Or of course simply make GMO cat's without Fel d 1 protein. What could go wrong?

[Octafish]

3. Cat-Man do?

[bananas]

2. "cat allergen triggers an immune receptor that is also involved in allergic responses to dust mites"

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263905.php

Cat allergy discovery promises new treatments

Article Date: 25 Jul 2013 - 3:00 PDT

New research led by the University of Cambridge in the UK has discovered the reason for the extreme immune reaction in some people who are allergic to cats. A study published online this week in the Journal of Immunology explains how the cat allergen Fel d 1 triggers an immune receptor that is also involved in allergic responses to dust mites.

Lead author Dr. Clare Bryant, from Cambridge's Department of Veterinary Medicine, told the press:

"We are hopeful that our research will lead to new and improved treatments for cat and possibly dog allergy sufferers."

The idea is that new drugs could target the pathway to the newly discovered receptor so it can't trigger the severe immune response in affected people.

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[busterbrown]

5. This discovery will lead to a new drug which

will lead probably to a new set of problems for those who end up taking it..

[TRoN33]

4. I definitely need one!

My allergy to cats are very extreme and always get worse every time I'm very close to cats. This would be Godsend for people with pet allergies.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

6. Not to mention to fresh clips on YouTube.

[shenmue]

7. This clears the way for cats to take over the world

Which is good.

[freshwest]

8. I approve of this plan. Our overlords have worked on this for thousands of years.

Note the pet allergen ad...

[Myrina]

9. I call discrimination against dogs!

Why aren't scientists working to find the dog-allergen? huh? huh? huh?

It's a cat-spiracy, is what it is!!

[freeplessinseattle]

10. Yay! I'm a bit allergic to my 3 cats, but can't live without them! n/t