Modified Eggs May Lead To The End Of Allergies

Allergies to eggs are highly prevalent among children and can be provoked by various food items, including vaccines. However, scientists have recently utilized genome editing technology to create a chicken egg that could potentially be consumed by individuals with egg allergies, ensuring their safety.

The allergic reaction occurs due to the immune system’s excessive response to the protein present in eggs. An individual may have an allergy to either the egg white or the yolk, although allergies to egg whites are more frequently observed. Typically, children tend to outgrow their egg allergies before reaching adolescence, although this is not always the case.

Manifestations Of Egg Allergy

The manifestations of egg allergy differ among individuals but typically involve skin inflammation or hives, nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the most serious outcome is anaphylaxis, an extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that necessitates prompt medical intervention.

The Extensive Presence Of Eggs

It is astonishing to note the extensive presence of eggs, egg powder, or dried eggs in various food items. These include breaded and battered foods, Caesar salad dressing, crepes, waffles, ice cream, candy, meatloaf, meatballs, marshmallows, and marzipan. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the majority of flu vaccines are manufactured using egg-based techniques.

Recently, scientists at Hiroshima University have employed genome editing technology known as TALENs to create a chicken egg devoid of a complex protein called ovomucoid (OVM). This particular protein constitutes approximately 11% of all the proteins present in egg whites. Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) are synthetic enzymes designed to precisely cleave DNA at a targeted sequence, leading to the separation of its double strands. When this occurs, the cell triggers its repair mechanism, facilitating the reconnection of both sides of the DNA break.

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