Impact of genes on allergies

MHB researchers explore changes in human DNA.

Neuruppin, 17 June 2023

Researchers from the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB), the College of Health and Life Sciences / Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the medical center Sidra Medicine (Qatar) succeeded in identifying changes in human DNA with a possible impact on the production of so called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies may cause allergic reactions to otherwise harmless substances. Dr. Nico Marr, director of a working group at the MHB Institute of Translational Immunology, headed the study which analyzed genome data of 800 participants living in Qatar. The study was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
The group of researchers examined changes within genes that control IgE production and other functions of the immune system, particularly genes for the so called human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II. The question was whether specific changes may either encourage or prevent allergic reactions. IgE stands for a specific subtype of antibodies which may produce allergic overreactions in the human immune system and is therefore accompanied by health problems such as asthma or food allergies.  

Data and serum samples from the Qatar Biobank were available for the study. This biobank is a health initiative with the aim of reducing chronic illness among the population and improve health in future generations through research into the causes of common diseases. Samples and information on health and lifestyle are collected for this purpose. The resulting data pool contains information on Qatari nationals and long-term residents in the country. The data material provides important insights which may serve to improve options of treatment and prevention of allergies for the local population.  

According to Dr. Nico Marr, the research project is intended to take the needs of people on site into account, improve their health care and at the same time to make worldwide use of the findings: “This and similar studies can be of relevance to people in Brandenburg and throughout Germany. A representative sample from participants within one region is required in order to gain new insights through medical and genetic studies of this kind.”