Researchers at the University of South Australia are working to develop a vaccine to cure potentially life-threatening allergies to peanuts.
The vaccine would help reprogram the body’s natural response to peanut allergens.
Severe allergic reactions can include impaired breathing, swelling in the throat, a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and even death.
Peanuts are one of the most common food allergies and the most likely food to cause anaphylaxis or death.
In Australia, there is particularly high prevalence of peanut allergies with one in 200 adults, and almost three in every 100 children affected.
Dr Preethi Eldi, who is leading the project, says it has great potential to change lives.
“Parents are constantly protecting their child from being exposed to peanuts in all forms – from popular breakfast cereals and school snacks, to biscuits, cakes and even health foods – whether at home, school, or in social situations.
“And, it means being vigilant and imposing very stringent dietary restrictions, not only for the child, but often, also for family members,” Dr Eldi said.
“If we can deliver an effective peanut allergy vaccine, we’ll remove this stress, concern, and constant monitoring, freeing the child and their family from the constraints and dangers of peanut allergy.”
Professor John Hayball is also working on the vaccine and explained it would trick the immune system into seeing peanut allergens in a new light, so that the body responds normally.
“We’re effectively reprogramming the body to see peanuts as an entity that can be cured by a vaccine, rather than an allergen that elicits an allergic reaction,” he said.
It is being developed in partnership with Biotechnology company, Sementis and UniSA’s Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory.
