A team of scientists at the University of Melbourne has identified a potential biomarker that could predict the severity of egg allergy reactions. Published in Allergy, the study analyzed blood samples from 200 children with egg allergies, comparing those who experienced mild symptoms (such as hives or stomach pain) with those who had life-threatening anaphylaxis.
The researchers discovered that elevated levels of a specific protein, IL-33, were strongly correlated with severe allergic reactions. IL-33 is known to play a role in activating immune cells that drive allergic responses. Children with the highest IL-33 levels were five times more likely to experience anaphylaxis upon egg exposure than those with lower levels.
This finding could revolutionize allergy testing by allowing clinicians to assess risk more accurately. Currently, skin prick tests and IgE blood tests indicate the presence of an allergy but do not reliably predict reaction severity. If validated in larger studies, an IL-33 test could help parents and doctors make informed decisions about dietary restrictions, emergency medication, and whether to attempt oral immunotherapy.
Dr. Liam O’Connor, the study’s senior author, noted that IL-33 may also be a target for future treatments. Drugs that block this protein are already in development for asthma and other inflammatory conditions, raising the possibility of repurposing them for food allergies.
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