Two studies suggest that one type of immune cells function as reservoirs of antibodies that cause the body to overreact to some allergens

Two studies published in Science Translational Medicine suggest that one type of immune cells, memory B cells, are responsible for the persistence of some allergies. These cells act as reservoirs for antibodies that cause the body to overreact to some allergens. The findings suggest a path towards new therapeutic targets, even with drugs that are already used today. The studies are complementary and provide strength to the discovery, since two independent groups made the same central observation. The existence of these cells may explain the lifelong nature of some food allergies and could be a marker for the development of clinical allergy.