Scientists discover what triggers allergic reactions to cats

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2. "cat allergen triggers an immune receptor that is also involved in allergic responses to dust mites"

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263905.php

Cat allergy discovery promises new treatments

Article Date: 25 Jul 2013 - 3:00 PDT

New research led by the University of Cambridge in the UK has discovered the reason for the extreme immune reaction in some people who are allergic to cats. A study published online this week in the Journal of Immunology explains how the cat allergen Fel d 1 triggers an immune receptor that is also involved in allergic responses to dust mites.

Lead author Dr. Clare Bryant, from Cambridge's Department of Veterinary Medicine, told the press:

"We are hopeful that our research will lead to new and improved treatments for cat and possibly dog allergy sufferers."

The idea is that new drugs could target the pathway to the newly discovered receptor so it can't trigger the severe immune response in affected people.

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