The findings were identified in an orally susceptible murine model of peanut allergy and in pediatric patients with peanut allergy.
Dr. Steinbach characterized increased intestinal epithelial cell barrier permeability in mice with peanut allergy and identified elevated Angiopoietin-like 4 as a possible contributor to this phenomenon.
Because severe allergic reactions to peanut are associated with increased intestinal permeability, understanding why will allow the development of new therapies that target the gut to reduce these severe reactions.
The research findings can be accessed in Clinical and Experimental Allergy.