Cells that cause allergy symptoms can limit damage

Danh Phuong

Researchers from Stanford Medical University discovered that a blood cell known as a pruritus and an inflammation in allergies, mast cells can also alleviate the anger. .

Will be published in Nature Immunology , the revelation findings in mice, cells can help reduce skin damage caused by over-sun exposure or poison oak. .

"These reactions are much worse without the presence of cells," said Professor, chairman of the pathology department, Medical Doctor Stephen Galli , the final author of the study . He realized that what was hidden inside could open new possibilities for treating these problems. The finding contradicts rumors about cells that are aggressive warriors in response to allergies. Located just below the skin and in weak connective tissue throughout the body, cells grow and wait for the invading elements. Surrounded by small granules containing inflammatory stimulating molecules such as histamine, they also sometimes react with non-disturbing invasive elements such as pollen and vegetable oil. This confrontation causes allergic reactions and in extreme situations, we will see a life-threatening overreaction of hypersensitivity that appears as a bee allergy or allergy to peanut.

Cells also affect asthma and eczema (eczema), providing opportunities for therapies to focus on fighting their activity. Galli, who holds the title of Mary Hewitt Loveless at the Medical School, said: 'Some people say: Get rid of them. But we didn't evolve cells, so we could eat peanuts and die. '

It is more appropriate to consider the cell as a dynamic element, Galli said it was described more correctly with the title of a western Clint Eastwood. He said: 'Nursing has its good, bad, and scary sides - depending on the situation. After all, I think you will be convinced that it is almost a good element. '

Galli's lab has proven that cells help prevent disasters rather than cause disasters. In a previous study in 2006, his team found that mast cells can help to kill snake venom, and in a 2004 study showed that these cells helped mice survive. after being infected very seriously.

The new study is the first to examine long-term cellular response to poison oak and sun exposure. His team tried to put mouse ears into both the radiation cycle of ultraviolet rays as well as urushiol, which can cause skin irritation of poison oak. About a week later, mice lacking genetically deficient cells showed more inflammation than normal mice, and skin ulcers appeared. Cellular injections have helped reduce the swelling in mouse ears and prevent ulcers. Galli said: 'All you have to do to treat the mice from this problem is to put the cells back into their bodies.'

The upcoming study will look deep inside to see if cells can reduce the development of skin tumors such as melanoma or carcinoma, when ultraviolet rays are removed with longer time. The team will also study how molecules contribute to the elimination of inflammation.

Galli said: ' You cannot explain all the anti-inflammatory properties of cells that carry IL-10 .'