Medical research identifies new pathways for allergy and venom treatments

Recent medical research has identified potential pathways for treating two distinct biological threats: alpha-gal syndrome and jellyfish venom toxicity.

Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers have isolated 42 specific antibodies from individuals exposed to malaria. In laboratory settings, these antibodies demonstrated the ability to hinder certain stages of the allergic reaction associated with alpha-gal syndrome, a condition triggered by tick bites that causes sensitivity to mammalian-derived sugars. While promising for future therapeutic development, this is not yet a clinical cure.

In a separate study published in ‘Science Advances’, researchers led by Christopher Denes of the University of Sydney used CRISPR genome screening to study the venom of the sea nettle jellyfish (Chrysaora quinquecirrha). The study identified specific human genes and molecular pathways affected by the venom and demonstrated that the anticoagulant heparin can be used to block its cytotoxic effects. This provides a molecular basis for treating stings that typically cause intense pain and skin eruptions.