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Farm-derived bacteria protect children from allergies

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2026-08-06 08:54 UTC → 2026-08-22 15:55 UTC · added removed

An international research team examined team, led by Professor Markus Ege of the University Hospital LMU Munich and the Helmholtz Institute for Asthma and Allergy Research, has identified specific bacteria that provide a biological explanation for the ‘farm effect’. By analyzing dust samples from the mattresses of more than over 1,000 children raised on farms and compared comparing them with barn‑dust material. Genetic sequencing barn dust, researchers identified nine gram‑positive gram-positive bacterial species that were strongly associated with linked to a lower risk of asthma, hay fever fever, and atopic dermatitis, with dermatitis. Two species, Romboutsia timonensis and Glutamicibacter arilaitensis arilaitensis, are particularly significant, accounting for the majority approximately two-thirds of the protective “farm‑effect.” The researchers also detected bacterial metabolites—kynurenine, xanthine, alpha‑linolenic acid effect against asthma and stearidonic acid—in about half of the dust. When inhaled, these compounds appear to modulate airway receptors and dampen immune over‑reactions that drive effect on other allergic symptoms. conditions. The findings, study, published in *NEJM Evidence*, suggest that mimicking these microbial signals could inform new preventive or therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases. A follow‑up report added that the study was led by Professor Markus Ege of the University Hospital LMU Munich and the Helmholtz Institute for Asthma NEJM Evidence and Allergy Research. The analysis was validated with independent cohorts from Germany, France France, and Finland, reinforcing found that these bacteria produce metabolites—including kynurenine, xanthine, alpha-linolenic acid, and stearidonic acid—that, when inhaled, activate receptors in the link between airway epithelium to dampen inflammatory immune responses. This discovery refines the identified bacteria, their metabolites ‘hygiene hypothesis’. While the traditional theory suggested general microbial contact strengthens immunity, these findings suggest that specific microbial signals are the primary drivers of immune training. Researchers noted this protective effect is most potent during the first years of life, though they cautioned that air pollution and reduced respiratory allergies. smoking remain significant risk factors for asthma.

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  1. 2026-08-22 15:55 UTC Farm-derived bacteria protect children from allergies
  2. 2026-08-06 08:54 UTC Farm-derived bacteria protect children from allergies

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