EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE Tuesday, April 30, 2002 Jeff Minerd (301) 402-1663jminerd@niaid.nih.gov Experimental Therapy Stops Allergic Reactions in Mice Scientists supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have devised a new, experimental approach to treating allergic diseases. In mice, the scientists used a genetically engineered molecule to connect two receptors on the key immune system cells that cause allergic reactions. Cross-linking these receptor molecules short-circuited the type of allergic reaction that leads to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and even the potentially deadly anaphylaxis caused by food allergy."This work represents an entirely new approach to treating allergic diseases,"...