A new study led by UT Southwestern uses advanced DNA testing to uncover genetic causes of food allergies among family members.
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DALLAS – Feb. 19, 2026 – For years, the anecdotal evidence has been clear: food allergies demonstrably run in families. However, pinpointing the *why* behind this inheritance has remained a significant challenge for clinicians and sufferers alike. Now, a groundbreaking study from UT Southwestern is moving beyond observation, leveraging advanced genetic sequencing to illuminate the underlying causes of these often debilitating conditions, and paving the way for more targeted and effective treatments.
- Genetic Roots Confirmed: The study demonstrates a clear genetic component in nearly 40% of individuals with multiple food allergies.
- FLG Gene Key: Mutations in the FLG gene, responsible for skin barrier function, are frequently identified, and are often missed by traditional genetic testing.
- Immune System Link: The research suggests a potential connection between food allergy risk and the immune system’s response to viral infections, opening new avenues for investigation.
Previous food allergy research relied heavily on genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which, while useful, offer a broad overview and often lack the precision needed to identify specific causative genes. This new work, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, utilizes whole exome sequencing – a far more granular approach – to examine the protein-coding regions of genes in patients with confirmed allergies to two or more foods. This focus on multi-allergy patients is crucial, as they represent a group with a demonstrably higher inherited risk.
The findings center around the FLG gene, which plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. A compromised skin barrier allows allergens to penetrate more easily, triggering an immune response. Importantly, the study revealed that comprehensive genetic testing identified 58% more FLG mutations than traditional genotyping, particularly in patients of non-European ancestry – a critical finding given the historical bias in genetic research towards populations of European descent. This highlights the importance of inclusive genetic studies to ensure equitable healthcare.
Beyond FLG, the researchers also identified rare mutations in immune-related genes, including one involved in viral sensing. This discovery lends weight to the “hygiene hypothesis,” which posits that limited early exposure to infections can disrupt the development of a balanced immune system, increasing susceptibility to allergies. While the hygiene hypothesis remains debated, this genetic evidence provides a compelling new layer of understanding.
The Forward Look
This study isn’t just an academic exercise; it has significant implications for the future of food allergy diagnosis and treatment. Dr. SoRelle’s call for increased sequencing in both clinical trials and research centers is likely to be heeded. We can anticipate a growing demand for more comprehensive genetic testing as a standard component of allergy evaluations, particularly for individuals with multiple allergies or a strong family history.
UT Southwestern’s SPARC program, launched in 2025, is poised to play a pivotal role in this evolution. By investigating how specific genetic variants influence disease course and treatment response, SPARC will help move food allergy care towards a more personalized approach. This could ultimately lead to the development of targeted therapies designed to address the underlying genetic causes of allergies, rather than simply managing symptoms. Furthermore, the identification of immune-related genes opens the door to exploring novel immunotherapies that modulate the immune system’s response to allergens. Expect to see increased investment in research exploring the interplay between genetics, the microbiome, and immune function in the development of food allergies in the coming years.
Other UTSW researchers who contributed to this study are first author Anas M. Khanshour, Ph.D., Data Scientist; Cynthia Haddad, M.D., clinical allergy fellow; Melissa Zamudio and Amy Arneson, RN, B.S.N., clinical research coordinators in Pediatrics; and Dr. Bird, who also serves as Interim Chief of the Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at UTSW and is a Dedman Family Scholar in Clinical Care.
Dr. Bird has served as a consultant in the past 36 months for Allakos, DBV Technologies, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Genentech, Hanimune Therapeutics, Infinant Health, Novartis, and Parexel. He has received research support from Abbott, Aimmune, ALK, DBV Technologies, FARE, Genentech, the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH/NIAID), Novartis, Regeneron, and Siolta Therapeutics. He serves in uncompensated roles as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Section on Allergy and Immunology of the American Academy of Pediatrics, as a medical advisory board member for the International FPIES Association, as an independent study monitor for Vedanta, and as past Chair of the Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Dr. SoRelle has financial relationships with Cereus Diagnostics Inc. and ENU Medicines and has received research grant support from the National Institutes of Health, Disease Oriented Clinical Scholars Program, and Thrasher Research Foundation.
About UT Southwestern Medical Center
UT Southwestern, one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution’s faculty members have received six Nobel Prizes and include 24 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 25 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 13 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The full-time faculty of more than 3,300 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians in more than 80 specialties care for more than 143,000 hospitalized patients, attend to more than 470,000 emergency room cases, and oversee nearly 5.3 million outpatient visits a year.
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