For many families, the experience of food allergies feels like an inherited trait. Now, a new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center is shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of these reactions, offering hope for more precise diagnoses and treatments. Researchers have discovered that advanced DNA testing can pinpoint genetic causes in nearly 40% of individuals with multiple food allergies, a significant step forward in understanding this growing public health concern.
Food allergies are a widespread issue, affecting an estimated 33 million Americans and contributing to approximately 3.4 million emergency room visits annually due to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Despite the prevalence of these allergies, effective treatment options remain limited. This new research, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests that a deeper dive into a person’s genetic makeup could change that.
The study focused on patients evaluated at the Food Allergy Center at Children’s Health by J. Andrew “Drew” Bird, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern, and Director of the Center. These patients all had confirmed allergies to two or more foods – a group considered to have a higher inherited risk compared to those with a single food allergy. Using whole exome sequencing, a technique that analyzes the protein-coding regions of genes, researchers examined the DNA of 56 patients and their family members when available.
“This research shows that advanced DNA testing can uncover clear genetic causes in nearly 4 out of 10 people with multiple food allergies,” said Jeffrey A. SoRelle, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics at UT Southwestern, and the study’s corresponding author. The findings revealed that nearly 40% of participants carried a rare loss-of-function mutation in a gene known to increase allergy risk.
The Role of the FLG Gene
A significant portion of the identified mutations involved the FLG gene, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s protective barrier. When this barrier is compromised, allergens can more easily penetrate the body and trigger an immune response. The study demonstrated that comprehensive genetic testing identified 58% more FLG mutations than traditional genotyping methods, particularly in patients of non-European ancestry, who are often underrepresented in genetic studies. This suggests that older genetic tests may have missed key variants in diverse populations.
Linking Immunity and Food Allergies
Beyond the FLG gene, researchers also identified rare mutations in other immune-related genes, including one involved in viral sensing. This discovery hints at a potential connection between food allergy risk and the immune system’s response to infections. This supports the long-held hypothesis that early exposure to infections can influence immune system development and potentially reduce allergy risk.
Dr. SoRelle emphasized the importance of expanding genetic sequencing in the field of food allergy research and clinical trials. “This study shows that we should be doing more sequencing in the field of food allergy, including for clinical trials and in research centers,” he stated.
Future Directions with SPARC
The UT Southwestern team plans to build on this research through the Sequencing Populations to Accelerate Research and Care (SPARC) program, launched in 2025. This initiative will investigate how specific genetic variants influence the progression of food allergies and how individuals respond to different treatments. The ultimate goal is to move towards a more personalized approach to food allergy care, tailored to the underlying biology of each patient.
Other UT Southwestern researchers who contributed to the study included Anas M. Khanshour, Ph.D., Cynthia Haddad, M.D., Melissa Zamudio, Amy Arneson, RN, B.S.N., and Dr. Bird. Dr. Bird has disclosed past consulting roles with several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Allakos, DBV Technologies, and Novartis, and has received research funding from organizations like the National Institutes of Health and Food Allergy Research &. Education (FARE). Dr. SoRelle has financial relationships with Cereus Diagnostics Inc. And ENU Medicines and has received research grant support from the National Institutes of Health.
UT Southwestern Medical Center remains at the forefront of biomedical research, integrating cutting-edge science with exceptional patient care. With a history of groundbreaking discoveries – including six Nobel Prizes awarded to its faculty – the institution is dedicated to translating research into innovative treatments for a wide range of conditions.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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