THURSDAY, Jan. 13, 2005 (HealthDayNews) -- A protein in the eye that plays an important role in the early stages of allergic response has been identified by University College London researchers.
The finding may help lead to new treatments for allergic diseases.
The researchers found that macrophage inflammatory protein-1a (MIP-1a) plays a critical role in the first 24 hours of allergic response. The protein is found in the clear membrane called the conjunctiva, which coats the inner surface of the eyelid and the outer surface of the eye.
The study appears in the current online edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
The researchers say their results suggest drugs the block MIP-1a from binding to its receptors may help in the treatment of eye allergies and other kinds of allergies.
"Current treatments for severe eye allergy are either ineffective or have associated side effects, such as glaucoma and cataract formation, so our study will be of interest to allergists and ophthalmologists," researcher Professor Jeremy Ono said in a prepared statement.
"Many current allergy treatments target symptoms rather than the cause of the disease, meaning this discovery could constitute a new target for the treatment of allergic diseases," he said.
"We are currently carrying out studies to test the efficacy of existing drugs that block MIP-1a and similar molecules in the therapy of allergic diseases. Clinical trials are anticipated shortly and, if they prove effective, these studies may lead to new therapies within the next five to seven years," Ono said.
More information
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has more about allergies.
