Hidden causes of allergies in urban children revealed

Scientists discovered "culprit cells" of childhood allergies: urban children found to be at risk

Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center have made an important discovery in immunology, identifying a special subgroup of T-cells that may be responsible for the development of allergic reactions in children. The results of this breakthrough study were published in the prestigious scientific journal Allergy.

The scientific team found that the blood of infants living in urban environments shows an increased content of aggressive Th2 cells with a pronounced pro-inflammatory profile. These immune cells, according to scientists, make a critical error — they mistake harmless substances, including common foods, for dangerous agents and attack them, causing allergic reactions.

An interesting contrast was discovered when studying children from rural areas, particularly representatives of the Old Believer farming community living in New York State. These children, who suffer from allergies much less frequently than their urban peers, predominantly have regulatory T-cells that perform the opposite function — they restrain excessive activity of the immune system.

Researchers believe that the key to understanding these differences may be the composition of the gut microbiota. The farming environment, rich in diverse microorganisms, apparently contributes to the formation of a more balanced and resilient immunity in children.