Oral-Gut Microbes Could Dampen Peanut Allergies

Researchers identify mouth and gut bacteria, notably Rothia and Staphylococcus, that can break down peanut proteins Ara h 1 and Ara h 2. In children undergoing oral immunotherapy, higher levels of these microbes correlate with greater peanut tolerance and milder reactions; mouse studies show the same bacteria reduce anaphylactic responses. The findings hint at microbiome-based markers and therapies to manage peanut allergy, but human applications remain observational and require further testing.