Chemical stops allergic reaction in tests

Using a genetically engineered protein, researchers have short-circuited–at least in test tubes and mice–the type of allergic reaction that causes asthma, allergic rhinitis, and potentially deadly food allergies.

The scientists created the new molecule, called GE2, by fusing together snippets of two normal antibody proteins. GE2 binds to both so-called epsilon and gamma receptors on the surfaces of some immune cells.