#277 ‒ Food allergies: causes, prevention, and treatment with immunotherapy | Kari Nadeau, M.D., Ph.D.

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Oct 30, 2023

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Kari Nadeau, a physician scientist and chair at Harvard's School of Public Health, unpacks the complexities of food allergies. She explains how our immune system, while excellent at fighting pathogens, can mistakenly trigger severe allergic reactions. Dr. Nadeau highlights innovative immunotherapy advancements that can not only alleviate symptoms but potentially cure allergies entirely. She also warns about the rising impacts of air pollution on health and shares practical tips for minimizing exposure.

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ANECDOTE

Tragic Inspiration

Kari Nadeau was inspired to study food allergies after a young patient died from drinking milk.
This motivated her to research immunologic mechanisms and therapies for allergies.

INSIGHT

Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins (Ig) are proteins in our blood that protect us from infections and allergies.
Different types of Ig, such as IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE, have different roles and concentrations in the body.

INSIGHT

Immune Response

The immune system fights infections by macrophages eating the microbe and presenting antigens to T cells.
T cells teach B cells to create specific immunoglobulins to eliminate the antigen.

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Kari Nadeau is a physician scientist with expertise in treating food allergies. In this episode, Kari first explains the fascinating workings of the immune system, exploring how it adeptly defends against bacteria and viruses but how the same system can lead to food allergies. She proceeds to explore the complexities of food allergies, detailing their typical developmental patterns, underscoring the significance of preventative approaches like early exposure, and highlighting the potentially life-threatening nature of severe food allergies. Kari illuminates the latest advancements in immunotherapies that not only mitigate allergy severity but also hold the potential to completely cure the patient. Additionally, Kari shares her concerns about the increasing levels of air pollution, elucidating its adverse effects on health while providing valuable suggestions for reducing exposure.

We discuss:

Kari’s motivation to study food allergies [4:00];
Overview of the immune system and the family of immunoglobulins [9:00];
How our immune system fights viruses, bacteria, or fungi, and some exceptions to the rule [13:00];
Why our immune system is generally better at fighting viruses than bacterial infections [18:45];
Differentiating a food sensitivity from a food allergy, and a discussion about celiac disease [25:30];
How food allergies develop, why they can be lethal, and factors contributing to the uptrend in food allergies [35:45];
The role of environmental factors in the onset of food allergies and strategies for prevention [50:15];
How immunotherapy helps to overcome, and even cure, food allergies [1:04:15];
Can immunotherapy work for environmental allergens like pollen? [1:24:00];
Air pollution: impact on health and tips for reducing your risk [1:25:30];
Resources for those wanting to learn more or find clinical trials related to food allergies [1:40:45]; and
More.

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