Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergic Patients

Greetings to our friends and Supporters! I am writing this update shortly after returning from the recent American Association of Immunologists (AAI) meeting in Washington, D.C. We were privileged to present a poster at the meeting about our work on the role of gut bacteria on food allergy and its treatment by oral immunotherapy (OIT). While the meeting in general was not specifically focused on food allergy, many of the lectures focused on how immune responses can be influenced by various background factors, which is very central toward toward understanding why food allergy develops in particular individuals. Indeed, the interaction with researchers and health professionals from different fields of study can provide perspectives that yield novel ideas and even treatment directions. It was gratifying to be able to discuss our work with people at the meeting, some of whom were previously unaware of food allergy OIT. Perhaps some of these discussions may lead to fruitful future collaborations. In other developments, things are continuing apace at the Center for Allergy at Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center. We are currently finalizing a manuscript describing optimized methods for diagnosing cashew and pistachio allergy. And with this Friday's observance of Shavuot, on which it is traditional to eat dairy foods, we will be thinking about our milk OIT patients whom we hope and anticipate are on their way toward a more enjoyable holiday. With best wishes of cheesecake and ice cream to them and to you!