A method to prevent allergy in humans by promoting tolerance development during infancy

Purpose and goal:

Allergy is the most common disease in the Western world, it increases every year and causes significant discomfort for the population, leading to economic strains on the individuals and society. Currently, there is no mean to prevent allergies, which typically develop in early childhood. The aim of the project is to develop and implement an innovative strategy to modulate the immune system of infants with the goal of preventing allergies by creating a lifelong tolerance to all allergens in the child´s environment.

Expected results and effects:

Patients suffering from allergies today rely on medications that, at best, relieve pain by treating inflammatory symptoms. Our solution has the potential to drastically improve the quality of life for these individuals by influencing the immune system of infants early in life with an immune-stimulating substance. This promotes the development of tolerance to various harmless substances and has the potential to reduce/prevent the onset of allergies.

Approach and implementation:

The project will consist of three work packages (WP). WP1 will contain the overall coordination and project management, including project agreements, budget monitoring, reporting, and meeting planning. In WP2, we will conduct an animal study to demonstrate the proof of concept for our technology. Activities in WP3 include participation in VINNOVA´s program conferences, development of a business plan, and dissemination of project results.