Research indicates that bacteria in the mouth and intestines may influence how strongly the body reacts to peanuts.
This emerges from a study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, led by researchers from McMaster University.
The researchers investigated why individuals with the same type of allergy antibodies can react very differently.
Some develop severe symptoms, while others can tolerate small amounts of peanuts without a noticeable reaction.
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According to the study, part of the explanation may be the body’s microbiome. This refers to the many bacteria that naturally live in places such as the mouth and digestive system.
Experiments with saliva and intestinal samples
In the study, the researchers analyzed saliva samples and samples from the upper part of the intestine from healthy participants.
They identified several bacteria capable of breaking down proteins from peanuts that can otherwise trigger allergic reactions.
A group of bacteria called Rothia proved to be particularly interesting.
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The researchers write in the study that the bacterium can modify peanut proteins so that they activate the immune system’s antibodies to a lesser degree.
This process is central to the type of severe allergic reaction known as IgE-mediated anaphylaxis.
Link found in children
The results were also compared with data from 120 children.
The researchers found that children with higher levels of Rothia bacteria were generally able to tolerate larger amounts of peanuts before experiencing an allergic reaction.
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In preclinical experiments, analyses also showed that the bacteria could reduce the amount of allergens reaching the bloodstream.
According to the researchers, the findings may, in the long term, contribute to new ways of predicting and treating food allergies, including through microbial treatments or improved immunotherapies.
Sources: Medical Xpress, and Cell Host & Microbe.
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