Revolutionary discovery: New active ingredient stops allergy attacks!

Revolutionary discovery: New active ingredient stops allergy attacks!

Current research on mast cell activation focuses on new findings about the receptor MRGPRX2. This receptor, discovered 15 years ago, is considered crucial for the activation of mast cells, which play a central role in allergic reactions. According to the University of Bonn, headed by Prof. Dr. Christa Müller works, mast cells are immune cells that become active upon contact with allergens such as mosquito saliva and release inflammatory mediators. Mosquito bites cause not only itching but also redness and swelling highlighted by mast cell activation.

MRGPRX2 plays a central role in the activation of mast cells. The receptor works like a switch that triggers local inflammatory reactions. Prof. Müller's team tested over 40,000 chemical compounds to see whether they could block MRGPRX2. A selected active ingredient has proven effective by blocking the receptor and thereby preventing mast cell activation, which could prevent the development of difficult-to-treat allergic reactions.

Advances in research

In cooperation with Polish scientists, animal experiments have shown that this active ingredient can stop life-threatening allergic reactions in mice. The human mast cells isolated at the Charité in Berlin were used to test the effect of the newly developed molecule. Chemical modifications have improved the effectiveness, meaning that the derivative is effective in low concentrations and has a longer duration of action.

What is particularly important is that the active ingredient exclusively blocks the receptor MRGPRX2. This could significantly reduce the risk of unwanted side effects compared to broader-acting antihistamines. This specific blockade could open up new therapeutic options for inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs and nervous system. There are also promising approaches to treating severe chronic itching and other inflammatory skin diseases.

The role of mast cells in allergic reactions

Allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma affect over 50 million people in the United States. These diseases cost $18 billion annually. Mast cells, which play a key role in these diseases, respond to allergens by releasing inflammatory messengers. In atopic dermatitis, for example, studies show that the neurogenic inflammation is directly related to activation mechanisms of mast cells via receptors such as MRGPRX2. Neuro-immune interactions are crucial for the pathogenesis of these diseases.

In addition, it is known that the receptor MRGPRX2 can also play a role in other diseases such as chronic urticaria and rosacea. Allergens and other irritating substances can activate the mast cells via this receptor, leading to an increased detection of inflammation. The targeted use of MRGPRX2 antagonists, such as “EP262”, which is currently being tested in phase 2 studies, could therefore open up new therapeutic options.

Research on MRGPRX2 is therefore not only important for understanding allergic diseases, but could also have far-reaching therapeutic applications. Further studies on humans are necessary to check the suitability of the newly developed active ingredient as a medication and to explore potential cures for a variety of diseases.

For detailed information about current research results, visit the University of Bonn here, the latest study results on MRGPRX2 can be found on PubMed Central reread and deeper insights into the mechanisms of mast cell activation are provided by the information from Histameany here.