Hay fever’s hidden supporting substances

Research news Up to now, research into pollen allergies has largely focused on allergens - those components of pollen that trigger hypersensitivity reactions. When it comes into with the nasal mucous membrane, however, pollen releases a host of other substances in addition to allergens. In a pilot study, a team of researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Helmholtz Zentrum München investigated for the first time the effects of these substances on allergy sufferers. It emerged that the non-allergenic components of pollen have a significant influence on the way the body reacts. The results of the study suggest that it may be time to rethink the current methods of treating allergies. In April and May, birch pollen makes life miserable for many people. The body's defense mechanism is primarily triggered by a protein called Bet v 1, which is the main allergen of birch pollen.