[The heritage of anaphylaxis]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergy research
• Biotechnology

Context:

• The discovery of anaphylaxis in 1902 presented a significant challenge to early 20th-century immunological understanding.
• Prevailing "phylactic" theories in immunology hindered the explanation of anaphylaxis for decades.

Purpose:

• To trace the historical progression of immunological research following the discovery of anaphylaxis.
• To detail the identification of key molecular and cellular players involved in anaphylaxis, including immunoglobulin E (IgE) and its receptors.
• To highlight the development of the first biotechnological treatments for allergy, a common manifestation of anaphylaxis.

Summary:

• Over a century of research was required to elucidate the mechanisms of anaphylaxis.
• Key findings include the identification of immunoglobulin E (IgE) as the central serum factor and the characterization of cellular actors and their IgE receptors.
• An atomic-level understanding of IgE-receptor interactions has been achieved, paving the way for targeted therapies.

Impact:

• The research has led to the development of the first biotechnological treatments for allergies, offering new therapeutic options.
• Advances in understanding anaphylaxis have significantly impacted allergy treatment and management strategies.
• This work underscores the importance of long-term, fundamental research in driving therapeutic innovation.