In a significant development for hay fever sufferers, researchers at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University have engineered a novel pollen-blocking nasal molecular shield. This innovative treatment, unlike standard medications, is currently anticipated to be free from typical side effects.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction triggered when pollen binds to IgE antibodies present in the nose, mouth, and eyes, leading to inflammation, sneezing, and itching. Conventional treatments such as antihistamines and steroids aim to reduce inflammation but can often be ineffective and cause drowsiness.
Seeking a new therapeutic approach, Kaissar Tabynov and his team at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University initiated their research by collecting blood samples from mice. From these samples, they successfully extracted an antibody that specifically binds to the primary allergen found in mugwort pollen, a common hay fever trigger. During testing, this binding action effectively prevented the allergen from attaching to IgE antibodies. Tabynov explained, “It acts like a molecular shield.”
In a subsequent experiment, half of the mice received a small droplet of liquid containing the pollen-blocking antibody intranasally three times over five days. The control group received a saline solution. An hour after the final dose, all mice were exposed to mugwort pollen at concentrations similar to those experienced by individuals with hay fever, as reported by New Scientist.
The results were promising: mice treated with the antibody rubbed their noses an average of just 12 times over five minutes, significantly less than the 92 times observed in the saline group. Images further confirmed a reduction in nasal inflammation and showed effects extending beyond the nasal passages, suggesting broader protection. Tabynov stated, “Our study is the first to demonstrate that an allergen-specific monoclonal antibody can be applied intranasally to achieve both local and systemic protection.”
The research team claims that this treatment will not produce the adverse effects typically associated with oral hay fever medications, as it directly targets the allergen’s entry point. Sayantani Sindher of Stanford University praised the study, calling it “an important milestone, highlighting the potential of intranasal therapies for allergic rhinitis [hay fever].”
Tabynov cautioned that success in mice does not guarantee identical results in humans and that the antibody will require modification for human use. If development progresses favorably, the team aims to commence human trials within the next three years.
