00:00About 1.6 million children in the U.S. have peanut allergy, a condition that can cause life-threatening reactions.
00:06New research reveals the gut lining itself may be primed for allergy.
00:11Before any peanut exposure, scientists at the University of North Carolina found
00:15a missing protein in specialized gut cells called paneth cells in allergy-prone mice.
00:21These cells lacked lysozyme-1, a key antimicrobial enzyme,
00:25due to a genetic difference inherited from a wild mouse species.
00:28The same deficiency appeared in intestinal samples from children with peanut allergy.
00:34Showing this is not just a mouse phenomenon.
00:36The lead researcher, Caitlin Clough, said,
00:39The gut is already in an altered state before any allergic challenge.
00:43This missing protein changes the gut microbiome and weakens the barrier, setting the stage for allergy.
00:49Experts say this discovery could lead to new ways to prevent peanut allergy
00:53by protecting the gut before the first bite.
00:56Disclosure.
00:57This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
