For the first time, scientists have proven that a food allergy can be transferred via a bone marrow transplant, though the allergy is likely to be temporary.
Researchers became intrigued when a 46-year-old man gained an allergy to kiwi fruits after a bone marrow transplant. The man was not allergic to kiwi before, but his sister, who donated the bone marrow, is. The researchers looked at the reacting cells and their origins.
The cells responding to kiwi originated from cells transplanted.
The results of the study were published in the journal for the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. The researchers say that their methods for tracking the cells could be used for future research into similar immune system and bone marrow fields.
The findings are interesting as bone marrow is where the body makes blood cells, including white blood cells, an important part of the immune system’s response.
Source: metro.co.uk