Mouth and gut bacteria found to break down peanut allergy proteins
Mar 3rd 2026
Researchers report that bacteria living in the mouth and intestine can break down proteins that trigger peanut anaphylaxis, a finding linked to reduced reactions in a small human study and protective effects in mice.
- Two common microbes, Rothia and Staphylococcus, can degrade the key peanut allergen proteins Ara h 1 and Ara h 2.
- In a study of 19 children with peanut allergy, higher levels of these bacteria in saliva correlated with higher tolerance and weaker IgE responses after peanut exposure.
- Mouse experiments showed that giving Rothia reduced the severity of anaphylactic reactions in a model prone to peanut allergy.
- Human results are observational and more clinical trials are required before probiotics or microbial treatments can be recommended.
- The study was led by researchers at the Autonomous University of Madrid and McMaster University and published in Cell Host & Microbe.