Asthma in early teens is closely linked to allergens from cats and mites.  These proteins can trigger asthma attacks. It is all about the immune response to these allergens.

   Antibodies are a key player in this response.  There are two types of antibodies, IgE and IgG4. IgE antibodies cause the allergic reaction, while IgG4 antibodies can block this reaction.  This is known as a modified Th2 response. It's a bit like having a superhero (IgG4) fighting off the bad guy (IgE).

   Scientists have known about this for a while, and even had a name for it.  However, the exact details are still puzzling.  Scientists have made progress, but there is still more to learn.

   Some kids who live with cats seem to grow up without much problem.  This is because their immune system has learned to tolerate the cat allergen. This is good news for cat lovers. However, it's not always the case.  Children who make enough of the good antibody (IgG4) seem to avoid asthma.  But, those who don't make enough of it, are more likely to suffer from asthma.

   Building immunity to allergens is a common strategy.  Scientists have looked at the ways to stimulate the production of IgG4 antibodies, and found success with some treatments.  But, there is still a lot to investigate.  It's a complex process, and it's not a done deal yet.  It is not yet clear whether this knowledge can be used to create a treatment.  The question remains open.

   The journey to understanding how our immune system responds to allergens is still ongoing.  We have clues, but the full picture is not clear yet.  This is a case of science at work, where a lot of hard work and testing is needed to understand the immune response and find a way to improve the lives of those suffering from asthma.

Cat Allergies: Why Some Kids Are Lucky, and Others Are Not.

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