Exploring early immune mechanisms of food-allergic reactions in humans to develop markers and treatment targets

Food allergies, especially those caused by peanuts and tree nuts like cashews, which are the most important triggers of food allergy in childhood, are a significant public health issue. These allergies can lead to severe reactions and impact daily life, causing anxiety and high healthcare costs. Diagnosing these allergies often requires an oral food challenge (OFC), where the patient consumes small amounts of the allergen under medical supervision to see if a reaction occurs. However, this method is not ideal due to its risks and the need for specialized medical settings. This study aims to understand the early immune responses during allergic reactions to develop safer, more accurate methods for diagnosing and treating food allergies without relying on OFCs. The research teams in Austria and Luxemburg will analyze blood samples taken during routine OFCs from children allergic to peanuts or cashews. They will use advanced techniques to study changes in immune cells and proteins. These findings will help create a model predicting allergic reactions based on blood tests. By identifying early markers of these reactions, the research aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options, reducing the need for OFCs and enhancing patient care.