Allergy or infection? Scientists discover what distinguishes these two immune system responses
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1046907
By INSTITUTO DE MEDICINA MOLECULAR
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the immune system, shedding light on how our bodies distinguish between viral infections and allergies. Led by Luís Graça at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, the team discovered that follicular helper lymphocytes, crucial for antibody production, split into two groups: those fighting viruses and those dealing with parasites and allergies. This understanding could pave the way for new allergy treatments without compromising the immune response to infections.
Using computational biology and advanced microscopy, researchers identified specific genes active in these immune cells. They confirmed that genes linked to viral infections are active in actual viral cases, unveiling potential molecular targets for therapies. This breakthrough highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing medical research.