Possible cure for allergies.

Australian scientists were able to do gene therapy in mice to turn off the development of allergies. There are 3 problems that need to be considered:

1. The turning off of allergies need to be specific;
2. The turning off of allergies need to work in adults once  allergies are establiehed;
3. The turning off of allergies may be done in infancy.

It is not clear how the studies reported accomplish these goals.

Also, the mechanism of allergy is different in mice and man. One previous attept that worked in mice did not work in man.

Here are the particulars:

Dr Steptoe's lab is located at the Translational Research Institute.

Media: Associate Professor Ray Steptoe, r.steptoe@uq.edu.au; Kim Lyell, k.lyell@uq.edu.au, 0427 530647.

Media please note: A broadcast quality interview with Dr Steptoe and footage of his team working in the laboratory is available on request. Further comment and case study details can be arranged through Lyn Edwards, Asthma Foundation Queensland and New South Wales, 07 3607 6705, 0422 326465.