Possible target to stop or block allergy-induced anaphylaxis:

Based on article published in ‘ TORONTO STAR ’, A Canadian-led study has confirmed that an enzyme (PAF acetylhydrolase) found in the blood seems to decrease the severity of allergic reactions, suggesting a way to develop drugs to protect against life threatening allergies to foods such as peanuts or shellfish, or reactions triggered by certain drugs or insect stings. The enzyme had been shown to play this role in animal studies, but this new research is the first time to confirm in humans. The study shows that people who have life-threatening allergies and who have low levels of PAF acetylhydrolase in their blood suffer more severe allergic reactions than people with high levels of PAF acetylhydrolase. Lead author Dr. Peter Vadas says PAF acetylhydrolase breaks down a chemical called platelet activating factor (PAF) that is produced during an allergic reaction. Dr. Vadas says people with low levels of the enzyme can’t deactivate the PAF quickly enough to prevent a severe allergic reaction. According to Dr. Vadas, this research could open the door to development of a drug that people with these allergies could take on a daily basis to protect them against any exposure they might have.