The research team, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, targeted the p110delta molecule and found that it was possible to interfere in the allergic reaction before symptoms occur, but without shutting down the immune system in mice. It means scientists are a step closer to developing a new class of allergy and asthma drugs. At present treatments focus on alleviating the symptoms. Lead author Dr Khaled Ali said: "p110delta was first identified in 1997 and, although we had our suspicions, at that time we had no idea how important it would turn out to be. This work shows that we have the potential to take control of the body's reaction to an allergen and prevent symptoms from occurring." New hope for allergy/asthma sufferers | 
