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Fullerene Nanomaterials Inhibit the Allergic Response on human skin
Jirina Vavrova, Martina Rezacova, Jaroslav Pejchal
Department of Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems, Richmond, USA
The Journal of Immunology (2007) DOI 10.4049/jimmunol.179.1.665 ISSN 1550-6606
Summary:
Nanotechnology, the use of nanomaterials at the molecular level, is a multidisciplinary scientific field undergoing exponential growth and has broad applications among all divisions of science.
One form of nanomaterials, fullerenes, are soccer ball-shaped, carbon cages (C60) that can be functionalized and derivatized with a wide array of molecules. Given their unique structure, inertness, and characteristic stability, fullerenes are being investigated as a novel way to improve upon modalities used to diagnose, monitor, and treat certain conditions.
Type I hypersensitivity is the result of B cell-produced, specific IgE Ab to common, normally innocuous Ags. The allergen-specific IgE sensitizes mast cells (MC) and peripheral blood basophils (PBB). Re-exposure to the allergen triggers an allergic response through the release of inflammatory mediators from MC and PBB.
Indeed, many allergy medications are aimed at neutralizing (antihistamines, H1-receptor blockers) or preventing (antiIgE; Omalizumab) this response.
No studies have examined the effects that carbon 60 fullerenes have on the MC and PBB allergic responses.
Previous studies in other cellular systems demonstrated that these molecules can inhibit various cellular pathways.
We used human skin and lung MC, PBB, and an in vivo model for MC-dependent anaphylaxis to investigate the effects these molecules have on the allergic response.
Conclusion:
C60 fullerenes are capable of inhibiting MC and PBB allergic responses in vitro and anaphylaxis in vivo and suggests these molecules have previously unrecognized antiallergic properties.
C60 Fullerenes may represent a new way to control diseases largely influenced by these cells including type I hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis, hay fever, etc), asthma, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases.
For future applications, C60 fullerenes could be modified with functional groups to specifically target their uptake to MC and PBB. For example we are investigating the effects fullerene-coated stem cell factor and IgE Fc peptide, molecules that will specifically target MC and PBB, have on mediator release.
Study analysis
The comprehensive research by Vavrova, Rezacova, and Pejchal offers remarkable insights into the potential application of fullerene nanomaterials in inhibiting allergic responses. Although niche, This field of study promises to deliver impactful changes in how we approach allergic reactions and related diseases.
The cornerstone of their study is the C60 fullerenes, spherical carbon cages with exceptional stability and inertness. Due to their distinctive structure, they present a promising platform for functionalization and derivatization with an array of molecules. Their exploration into the impact of these fullerenes on mast cells (MC) and peripheral blood basophils (PBB) is pioneering, especially as these cells play pivotal roles in allergic responses, including type I hypersensitivity reactions.
Their intriguing findings suggest that fullerenes possess unexpected antiallergic properties, inhibiting MC and PBB allergic responses, thereby potentially curtailing diseases like anaphylaxis, hay fever, asthma, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, all with significant global health impacts.
Future work centred on functionalizing C60 fullerenes for specific uptake by MC and PBB could open new therapeutic avenues and reinforce the vital role of nanotechnology in modern medical interventions. This novel approach could herald a paradigm shift in our approach towards allergic diseases, enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals.
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