RICHMOND, Va., June 20 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have discovered a new biological task for soccer ball-shaped nanoparticles called buckyballs -- allergy fighting.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and Luna Innovations Inc., a Roanoke, Va., research company, found buckyballs have the ability to block allergic responses, setting the stage for the development of new therapies for allergic diseases -- the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States.
The scientists said their discovery advances an emerging field of medicine known as nanoimmunology.
Buckyballs, or fullerenes, are tiny hollow carbon cage nanoparticles. Due to their unique structure, inertness and stability, they can serve a variety of functions.
In the VCU study, researchers modified the buckyballs so they were compatible with water.
"This discovery is exciting because it points to the possibility that these novel materials can one day lead to new therapies," said Assistant Professor Chris Kepley, lead author of the study.
"Researchers in many fields are aware of the potential fullerenes have, however, we are the first to show they can turn off the allergic response and basic immune reactions."
The findings are reported online in the Journal of Immunology and will appear in the journal's July 1 print issue.
