Genetically Engineered Probiotic Bacteria May Reduce Food Allergies
We’ve already discussed what good probiotics do our gut health, as well as in preventing allergies and eczema.
In a new study, scientists even reinforced this anti-allergy powers by http://”>genetically engineering Lactococcus lactis bacteria to secrete murine interleukin-10 (IL-10), and subsequently help treat food sensitivities and intolerances.
Writing in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Frossard reports that oral administration of this non-pathogenic strain effectively reduced food-induced anaphylaxis (severe allergic response) in mice and suppressed the production of an antibody capable of initiating the most powerful immune reactions.
The results of the animal trial is published online at the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2006.12.615.
[via: Allergizer, Photo: National Dairy Council]
Interesting but: I’m not comfortable with genetically modified organisms. With an ever increasing number of people with allergies over the last few years, we can’t rule out GMOs as a possible cause of some allergies (I’m not saying GMOs cause allergies, I’m just saying they might – who knows?)