

"By increasing the activity of Allergin-1, we can effectively control allergies," Shibuya said. Some 30 percent of people in Japan are said to have an allergy of some sort. Allergies occur when molecules called antigens that are contained in pollen and foods enter the body, causing cells known as mast cells to react and release an excessive amount of chemical substances. Histamine, which causes inflammation, is one such substance. In the past, medicines have been introduced to limit the effects of such substances, but it has been difficult to control them completely.

It was discovered that the molecule worked to restrain allergic reactions regardless of the type of antigen. The group's research was published in the online version of the U.S. journal Nature Immunology on Sunday. (The Mainichi Daily)