Comments on: Training the Immune System May Turn Off Peanut Allergies

By: Janet

Janet — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:25:44 +0000

I was able to stop severe allergic reactions by taking an amino acid called L-Histidine. As the levels increase in the blood, the mast cells stabilize. It’s a paradoxical effect because histidine is a precursor to histamine which is what causes the symptoms of anaphylaxis. I was scared to try it at first, but have taken it now every day for over 20 years and can eat nuts, fruits and other foods that used to cause severe hives and breathing problems.

By: Justo

Justo — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:52:06 +0000

I wonder if this solution could be applied to all types of allergies such as pollen, dust, and/or even pet allergies. If so, sign me up! Allergy season seems to be everyday for me.

By: A student of immunology

A student of immunology — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:12:23 +0000

Okay, so this article isn’t very correct in its description of allergic response.

When someone is allergic to a given immunogen (for example, a peanut protein), the epitope (antigenic-determinant site) of that protein binds to immunoglobulin E fixated on mast cells, causing the release of histamines. This study focused on Th2-associated allergic response, which is an entirely different mechanism. Though this is a step in the right direction, the applications of this study are obscure at best.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:06:05 +0000

Can you train the body not to attack itself? As a person with lupus, I’d sure like to tell my immune system to KNOCK IT OFF!!!!

By: A Los Angeles Cardiologist

A Los Angeles Cardiologist — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:14:14 +0000

A fascinating approach to the problem of allergies. I wonder how lasting this immune modulation would be.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:36:03 +0000

Even if this doesn’t “cure” peanut allergies, just damping down the severity of the reaction would be a godsend. It would also prevent tragedies such as that poor elementary school girl that had parents of other kids gang up on her family and demand she be removed from the school because the steps taken to protect her from peanuts were a “burden” to the other kids.