New research shows light can shut down common allergies

Researchers have discovered a new way to end cat, pollen, and other allergies by simply using light to shut down the reactions.

In a study published on 14 August, the scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder demonstrated that a specific safe wavelength of ultraviolet light can rapidly reduce the potency of common airborne allergens.

The study will hopefully bring relief for people suffering from allergies and asthma which affect over 100 million Americans and cost tens of billions annually.

Denaturing allergens

Allergens are substances that cause allergic responses to susceptible individuals. To test how they can be controlled using light, Tess Eidem and her team released tiny particles of cat dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen into a sealed chamber.

By exposing them to UV, the potency of these allergens were rapidly reduced by altering their shape so the immune system no longer recognizes them.

Normally, allergens linger in the air for some time and cause allergic reactions when the immune system recognizes the proteins’ specific three-dimensional shapes, resulting in sneezing, swelling, and wheezing.

The light exposure that changes their shapes makes it impossible for antibodies to bind to them, which effectively eliminates allergic reactions. 

Eidem, a senior research associate in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at CU Boulder.

“If your immune system is used to a swan and you unfold the protein so it no longer looks like a swan, you won’t mount an allergic response.” 

What about safety?

The team used a particular kind of ultraviolet light called UV222 that is gentler and safe for humans, which previous studies have shown it can inactivate airborne viruses without harming people.

Airborne allergens levels dropped by 20% to 25% on average after only 30 minutes, depending on the type.

The exposure was at a level far below the safety thresholds for skin and eye exposure set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, making it a potential global solution.