Start hay fever treatment early
Tuesday May 5th, 2015
Hay fever sufferers may benefit from taking preventative treatment before the pollen season starts, researchers say.
The Norwegian researchers base their conclusions on the findings of research into the immune system T-cells that react to pollen.
From laboratory studies, they have found these T-cells continue to inhabit the nose outside the pollen season.
The Oslo University researchers, led by Professor Frode Jahnsen, say it has been unclear whether the T-cells are "recruited" from the circulation when pollen reaches the nose or whether they are already there.
The findings have been reported in Clinical Experimental Allergy.
A university spokesman said the findings deepened "understanding of the mechanisms behind hay fever and how to approach it therapeutically."
The spokesman added: "The results indicate that anti-inflammatory therapy in seasonal hay fever targeted at allergen-specific T cells should be initiated prior to season."
IL-5 production by resident mucosal allergen-specific T cells in an explant model of allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy 28 March 2015;doi: 10.1111/cea.12543 [abstract]
Tags: Allergies & Asthma | Europe
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