Scientists from the Toulouse Institute of Infection and Inflammation in France have published a paper in the latest issue of Science Translational Medicine, stating that they have developed a new experimental vaccine called "IgE K" that can protect mice from severe allergic reactions for up to a year. This latest development shows that vaccination has broad prospects in the field of preventing allergies. This vaccine targets an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Under normal circumstances, IgE flows with the blood and binds to immune cells in the body. When threatened by viruses, parasites, etc., it triggers an immune response, releases histamine, and causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or urticaria. In people with allergies, IgE can overreact to harmless proteins such as peanuts and cat dander, and may even trigger fatal systemic allergic reactions, leading to laryngeal edema, respiratory failure, and even shock. The new vaccine can stimulate the body to produce antibodies that can bind to IgE, thereby preventing IgE from binding to immune cell receptors. This mechanism significantly reduces the levels of free IgE that may trigger allergic reactions upon exposure to allergens. In animal experiments, the team used genetically modified allergenic mice for testing. The results showed that among the 9 unvaccinated control group mice, 8 died within 30 minutes after exposure to allergens; All vaccinated mice only showed mild allergic symptoms and did not die. Moreover, these mice maintained high levels of protective antibodies in their bodies after 52 weeks of vaccination. This study confirms that vaccines can stimulate the production of anti IgE antibodies. The mechanism of action of the new vaccine is similar to the approved anti allergic monoclonal antibody drug omalizumab, but the latter needs to be injected every two weeks to maintain its effectiveness, while the new vaccine is expected to provide more lasting protection. However, the team also reminds that further verification is needed to determine whether the vaccine will cause unexpected allergic reactions in the human body, and whether long-term reduction of IgE will weaken the body's ability to fight parasitic infections. (New Society)