Severe food allergies can be terrifying, both for the person affected and their loved ones. Allergies are increasing and affect between 3% and 6% of the population. But science has yet to fully grasp the reasons why. One theory – which appears to be backed up by the evidence of a new study – is that the answer lies in the human gut.
More specifically, the antibodies produced in the human gut. Antibodies are an important part of our immune system that help us recognise and eliminate “foreign” antigens (proteins on the surface of a substance that triggers an immune response). Foreign antigens are found on viruses, bacteria and other things that may cause us harm, as well as the food we eat.
Allergy Therapeutics plc (LON:AGY) is a market-leading, pioneering immunology business with specialist experience in the research and development of allergy treatments.