Purina reveals cat-allergy inhibitor that may neutralize allergic reactions
Incorporating an egg product containing antibodies of a major cat allergen into a cat’s diet can prevent allergic reactions to cat hair and dander, research shows.
18 Jun 2019 --- Scientists from Nestlé subsidiary Purina have found a way to prevent allergic reactions to cat hair and dander – dried flakes of skin. In a decade-long study, researchers discovered an antibody – IgY – that can block specific sites of the major cat allergen, Fel d1, by 97 percent and subsequently neutralize the allergen. The allergen is produced in cats’ saliva, leading researchers to incorporate an egg product containing anti-Fel d1 antibodies into a cat’s diet. Published in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease, the study findings may lead to reduced active Fel d1 levels in the environment in general, which may be beneficial for allergen-sensitive people, the researchers note.
The novel approach maintains a cat’s normal allergen production, without affecting its overall physiology. Moreover, Purina notes it can transform the way people manage cat allergens, as it reduces exposure to the allergen, but not to the cat. Globally, one in five adults is sensitive to cat allergens and has to avoid contact with them, “leaving many cats looking for a new home,” says the company.
“These allergens have created a huge barrier to cat ownership and may limit the loving interactions between cat lovers and cats,” says immunologist Dr. Ebenezer Satyaraj, Director of Molecular Nutrition at Purina and lead investigator on the study. “Our discovery has the potential to transform how people manage cat allergens.”
This new method of tackling cat allergies was presented by Purina Institute scientists at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress 2019. With more than 500 scientists and pet care experts, the Purina Institute is responsible for sharing the latest scientific findings in companion animal nutrition, with the goal of putting nutrition at the forefront of pet health discussions.
Why are people allergic to cats?
Contrary to popular belief, there are no truly hypoallergenic cats. All cats produce Fel d1 – regardless of breed, age, hair length, hair color, sex or body weight. Up to 95 percent of reactions in cat allergen-sensitive people are caused by Fel d1.
Produced primarily in cats’ salivary and sebaceous glands, Fel d1 is transferred to a cat’s hair and skin during grooming, then dispersed in the environment via hair and dander. People sensitized to Fel d1 may have a reaction when the allergen comes into contact with the individual, as it then binds to specialized immune defense proteins in their body.
The study process
During the study, cats were fed a diet including an egg product with IgY. A 97 percent decrease was noted on the levels of active Fel d1 on the cats’ hair and dander, while, on average, there was a 47 percent reduction of active Fel d1 after three weeks of feeding the diet.
The researchers underscore that decreasing the active levels of Fel d1 on a cat’s hair may reduce cat allergens shed into the environment. Reducing the allergen load in the environment has been shown to be beneficial to allergen-sensitive people.
The findings reveal a new approach to managing cat allergens and the Purina Institute is conducting more research on the matter.
In other furry-friend news, earlier this year Purina launched a new line of supplements aimed at improving anxious behaviors in dogs by ameliorating their digestive issues. The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care range contains the bifidobacterium longum (BL999) probiotic strain, which Nestlé Purina researchers found to be beneficial for canine gut health.
