Human June 29, 2007
Alergies and asthma cured?
Perhaps. Ido Bachelet and his research colleague, Ariel Munitz, have an interesting technique in mind reports EurekAlert. The mast cells that produce the histamine and other pro-inflamation compounds have a receptor protein called CD300a. Unfortunately, so do many other types of immune system cells so it can’t be used as a drug target.  They have instead created an antibody segment that targets both CD300a and a mast cell specific marker.
Tests in mice have confirmed that the antibody can eliminate four types of allergic diseases and severe, chronic asthma.
Ido is a doctoral candidate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem School of Pharmacy and a first cousin of the president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet.