A method to prevent allergy in humans by promoting tolerance development during infancy

Important results from the project

In our proof-of-concept project, we investigated whether a specific immune-stimulating substance could prevent allergy if administered early in life. We found that mouse pups treated with the substance showed reduced allergic inflammation in their lungs after exposure to egg protein, compared to untreated mice. This was measured, among other things, by detecting fewer eosinophilic granulocytes—cells that typically worsen allergic reactions—in the lungs of the treated mice.

Expected long term effects

Our innovative strategy is based on activating the infant´s immune system in a proven safe way, promoting active immunological tolerance without the risk of infections or other harm. A patent search has shown that there is no patent on a similar product or idea. The path is therefore open for patenting and further commercialization. The substance that we have identidfied to have toloregenic effects, has the potential to prevent future allergy development even in infants.

Approach and implementation

The project was a proof-of-concept study using an in vivo mouse model. Neonatal mice were assigned to treatment groups and administered various immunostimulatory compounds, including our candidate substance. Upon adulthood, the mice were sensitized through exposure to ovalbumin (egg protein), a known allergen. To assess the immunological impact of early-life treatment, allergic responses were evaluated by analyzing immune cell infiltration in lung tissue and draining lymph nodes.