Buckyballs to fight allergies
A research team has identified a new biological
function for a soccer ball-shaped nanoparticle called a buckyball – the
ability to block allergic response, setting the stage for the development of new
therapies for allergy.
A research team has identified a new biological function for a soccer ball-shaped nanoparticle called a buckyball – the ability to block allergic response, setting the stage for the development of new therapies for allergy.
According to Chris Kepley, who is the principal author of the paper, the buckyballs are able to ‘interrupt’ the allergy/immune response by inhibiting a basic process in the cell that leads to the release of an allergic mediator. Essentially, the buckyballs are able to prevent mast cells from releasing histamine.
The researchers found that the unique structure of the buckyball enables it to bind to free radicals dramatically better than any anti-oxidant currently available, such as vitamin E. Free radicals are molecules that cause oxidative stress, which experts believe may be the basis of aging.
Allergic disease is the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States, and while various treatments have been developed to control allergy, no cure has been found. These findings advance the emerging field of medicine known as nanoimmunology.
Worthwhile - and hopefully not too far away from clinical trials.
Posted: Sun - June 24, 2007 at 06:50 AM