Why Allergens Trigger Coughing and Sneezing

Swift Summary

• Research Findings: Allergens cause symptoms like coughing and sneezing by creating holes in airway cells through specific proteins known as pore-forming proteins.
• Discovery: Beijing researchers identified two proteins (Aeg-S and Aeg-L) in the mould Alternaria alternata that trigger airway inflammation by forming pores in cell membranes, allowing calcium ions to enter.
• Experimental Evidence: Tests on mice revealed immune responses similar to human allergic reactions when exposed to these proteins. Chronic exposure led to signs of respiratory allergy, such as elevated IgE levels.
• Other Allergens: Similar immune responses were triggered by pore-forming proteins from unrelated sources like seawater venom (Actinia equina),fungi (Aspergillus niger, etc.), and bacteria (Clostridium perfringens).
• Implications for Treatment: The study suggests allergens may share a common mechanism, opening doors for treatments targeting pore-forming proteins rather than individual allergens.

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