Study: Exposure to certain microbes may prevent respiratory allergies and asthma

A study published by researchers at the Pasteur Institute shows that exposure of the lungs to fragments of microbes can activate a long-lasting immune memory that reduces the risk of developing respiratory allergies and asthma.

The study identified fibroblasts, structural cells in the lungs, as essential for generating natural protection against allergies, instead of immune system cells. Experiments on mice showed that exposure to microbial fragments induced an immune response that protected the animals from allergic reactions for at least six weeks. Without this initial exposure, the mice developed hypersensitivity, and allergic reactions were amplified.