Scientists in Australia say they have developed a vaccine against peanut allergy.
So far they've only shown it works in mice and samples of human blood taken from peanut allergy sufferers, but they're hoping to trial it in people soon.
Up to one in 50 children are affected by the life-threatening condition, which can be triggered by the faintest trace of peanuts.
"Parents are constantly protecting their child from being exposed to peanuts in all forms - from popular breakfast cereals and school snacks, to biscuits, cakes and even health foods - whether at home, school, or in social situations," said Preethi Eldi of the University of South Australia, who led the new research.
"And, it means being vigilant and imposing very stringent dietary restrictions, not only for the child, but often, also for family members."
While peanuts are harmless to most of us, those who are allergic can suffer seizures, swelling in the throat, vomiting and hives when exposed. The body wrongly sees peanut molecules as a threat, and goes into overdrive trying to destroy them.
Scientists managed to trick immune systems by putting peanut proteins inside a virus, "reprogramming the body to see peanuts as an entity that can be cured by a vaccine, rather than an allergen that elicits an allergic reaction" according to study contributor John Hayball, also of the University of South Australia.
"Already, the vaccine is showing signs of success, shifting peanut-specific immune responses in mouse models of peanut allergy, and in preliminary in vitro vaccination-like studies using human blood samples from clinically-confirmed peanut allergic people."
Recent breakthroughs in treating peanut allergy have included a drug that suppresses the immune system long enough for it to learn that peanuts are okay, and starting kids on food containing peanuts from a young age.
"None have succeeded in safely and completely eradicating peanut allergy," said Royal Adelaide Hospital's William Smith.
"An effective vaccine for use in peanut allergy must be safe to administer with minimal adverse events, have a short immunisation schedule to improve compliance specifically with peanut allergic children and, most importantly, induce life-long protection.
"The preliminary data is encouraging and favours that the vaccine can meet all these criteria. It's very exciting research and we are very positive to take the next step into what we hope will be a cure for peanut allergy."
