Targeting a Key Protein to Prevent Food Allergy Disorders

A groundbreaking study from Tel Aviv University's Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences suggests that inhibiting a specific protein could hold the key to preventing food allergy-related diseases such as Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus. EoE, characterized by symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest and abdominal pain, and growth delays in children, has become increasingly prevalent in recent years across Israel and Western countries.

The research team identified Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) as a crucial trigger in the development of EoE. By neutralizing TSLP, they observed significant alleviation of symptoms, including the potential to prevent the disease altogether in experimental models. The study, led by Prof. Ariel Munitz and doctoral student Anish Dsilva, was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Chen Varol of Ichilov Hospital, Prof. Marc Rothenberg of Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and AstraZeneca. The findings are published in the journal Allergy.

Understanding EoE involves recognizing its nature as a food allergy driven by immune responses to specific foods like milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, and fish. Normally, the esophageal tissue contains few eosinophils, but in EoE, there is an abnormal accumulation of these immune cells, causing inflammation and related symptoms. This condition is often linked with other allergic diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis.

Previous research by Prof. Munitz's team developed an experimental model closely mimicking human EoE, focusing on the role of epithelial cells—the protective outer layer lining the esophagus. In allergic responses, these cells release substances that propagate inflammation. The current study focused on two proteins secreted by esophageal epithelial cells: IL-33 and TSLP.

The scientists found high levels of TSLP and IL-33 in the esophageal tissue of their models. Using genetic techniques to remove each protein, they discovered that eliminating TSLP greatly reduced or prevented disease symptoms, whereas removing IL-33 had little to no effect. Further, neutralizing TSLP with antibodies demonstrated promising potential as a biological therapy. These results position TSLP as a central regulator in EoE, making it an attractive target for future treatments.

Prof. Munitz emphasized that pharmacological companies are developing antibodies against TSLP, which could offer an effective new therapy for patients suffering from EoE. This research paves the way for biological treatments that could transform disease management and improve quality of life for those affected.

For those interested in further details, the full study is available in Allergy, and additional information can be found on the medical news platform: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-blocking-protein-food-allergy-disease.html.