Better (maybe) than worms: a new cure for allergies

If anyone asks, no I am NOT procrastinating writing my feature. I am just SO PASSIONATE about science news that I think it takes precedence..especially when the news carries the hint of something that might cure what really ails me: allergies.

As many of you know, I am allergic to most everything. Dust, mold, pollen, grass, cats, dogs, horses, pretty much anything cute and cuddly with hair or feathers, all nuts, peanuts, eggs and shellfish. I carry a self-injectable syringe full of adrenalin where ever I go and a large stock pile of several different anti-histamines. I am still waiting to develop my allergies to wheat, milk and oxygen. I know they'll show up eventually.

Anyway. So what is up with my immune system, eh? To the best of our knowledge, allergies are the result of some short circuit with the T helper cells, specifically Th2 cells. It is this kind of white blood cell that is normally responsible for fending off parasites - like worms n' stuff. The deeper cause is still a mystery but likely has something to do with the regulatory T cells (Treg) that control the production of both Th1 (which fight viruses and bacteria) and Th2. There are deeper connections still, but I am thinking you want me to stop now.

Basically, immunologists figure that our hyper-clean and generally infection-free environment has left our Tregs/Th1/Th2 with nothing much to do, so they fill their time by attacking perfectly harmless proteins, like those from peanuts, trying to kill me in the process.

Going with this hypothesis, companies around the world have been attempting to mimic infections in order to suppress the allergic response. One of the pioneers is a German company called OvaMed. They having been using the eggs of a pig intestinal worm (which cannot reproduce in human, cutting down on the gross factor) to treat severe autoimmune disorders such as Crohn's Disease. And it seems to work. They are starting to conduct trials on food allergies. Let's all pray. Personally, if am going to swallow worms, I'd at least like it to be a tapeworm, because then I'd get to be thin. Thin and allergy free..these are the stuff of dreams.

Anyway. I am rambling (who said procrastination?..take that back right now!). So this Swiss company is now attempting shut off allergies by stimulating Th1 cells via injections of mycobacteria. Yummy. Upping the Th1 response seems to shut down the Th2 (allergy) response, likely through Tregs. Ha!

Again, if someone could just come up with an allergy fighting tape worm that was easily extractable after the desired weight loss and allergy reversal, they would make a FORTUNE. The obesity epidemic in our great Western nations is really only topped by the massive spread of allergic disease. And they say all the good ideas are taken.

Comments

[AndyH]

You might be interested in this:

http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2006/4/30/91945/8971

It's by a guy who went to some great lengths to try out this theory, with allegedly positive results.

[MT]

Quit the procrastinating. You can write this feature with your mouse tied behind your back. Write from the wrist, as the maestro once said.

[Ca]

Here's another site that might help:

http://www.tapewormdiet.net/

Seems they are doing something like what you want.

[Darren]

I have an auto-immune disease which is being treated with high doses of steroids (and had been for way too long). After a recent discussion with my doctor about alternative treatments one which seems promising is getting a mild dose of parasites, either a dozen hook worms or a tape worm for a few months. Although they raise the body's IgE level something they secrete seems to block the allergic response.

I find the whole idea of some worm living inside me disgusting, however given how severe my condition can be I think it's justifiable to do a trial. I have just contacted Nottingham University who seem to be in the forefront of hookworms and asthma for advice.

In the meantime can anyone tell me where I can get a trustworthy sterile (beef) tapeworm infection ?

I will follow this up if anyone is interested - please let me know

[Garin]

Dear Anna,

I'll get you one if you want... but you'll have to write about your experience which means we'll have to do it legally. Either in Mexico or with a doctor prescription.

Let me know if your serious.

[Sam Black]

Hi

I took part in a medical trial to be infected with hook worms. That was last year and I still have the worms. The results were fantastic for hayfever. I had no result for my food allergies but it has worked very well for hayfever. I know other conditions are being tested too but I am not sure which ones.

Thanks

Sam

[MANR]

So did anyone get a tape worm? I think this is wonderful,not only for weight but allergies. I love it when science reverts back to nature.