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Specialized Feline Diet Uses Avian IgY Antibody to Mitigate Cat Allergies
According to the Asthma and Allergies Foundation of America, cat and dog allergies affect 10 to 20% of the world's population. Despite these numbers, roughly a third of those affected still decide to keep a cat in their home. But while the human drive for feline companionship may overpower the symptoms associated with cat allergies, scientists are tapping into the allergy-fighting power of avian IgY antibodies to mitigate those symptoms with an anti-Fel d1 egg IgY immunoglobulin (AFD1).
Characterization of IgY
Originally characterized by ICL founder Gerrie Leslie, Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) has had a profound impact on the biotech, IVD and pharmaceutical industry. Because it is the functional equivalent to Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgY has value in a variety of applications, ranging from bioanalysis to targeted antibody extraction.
Due to its extraction from egg yolks, IgY production is simple and non-invasive, and cross-reactivity of IgY with mammalian proteins is less notable than IgG, making it a preference in many research studies and IVD applications. It also has documented uses in food production to produce Salmonella-fighting antibodies and reduce Helicobacter pylori in the stomach.
These unique traits have made IgY a prime candidate for research seeking to prevent cat allergies at the source without negatively affecting feline health.
Understanding Cat Allergies
Cat allergies are primarily linked to Fel d1, a secretoglobin protein complex commonly found in cat saliva and skin. While its function in felines is largely unknown, its effect on humans is well-documented, causing an IgG or IgE reaction in sensitive humans.
During grooming, cats spread Fel d1 secretions across their fur, causing it to dry and flake off with other dander. As it comes into contact with sensitive humans, it presents as an allergic or an asthmatic response.
Historically, IgY antibodies have been presented to human immune systems, giving the body a chance to fight off allergens already present in the body. But scientists with Nestlé Purina PetCare have been able to develop a specialized cat food designed to limit the production of Fel d1 allergens at the source.
Mitigating Fel d1 in Cats
Purified anti-Fel d1 chicken IgY antibodies have been found to mitigate a cat’s normal Fel d1 production, causing less secretion and a lower likelihood of initiating an allergic reaction.
By developing anti-Fel d1 egg IgY immunoglobulin (AFD1), scientists at Nestlé Purina PetCare have been able to effectively neutralize Fel d1 through a specialized diet. In an in vivo study published in 2020 on Frontiers of Veterinary Science, the researchers, led by Dr. Satyaraj, director of molecular nutrition with Purina PetCare, found no significant changes in feline health after 26 weeks on the specialist diet.
“The study results show that the ingredient is safe for cats,” Dr. Satyaraj Ph.D. told Petfoodindutry.com. “There were no differences with regard to clinical observations, in body weight, food consumption, eye examination, bloodwork or urinalysis, between the control group of cats fed a diet without the ingredient, and cats fed diets with the varying levels of the ingredient.”
Purina launched Pro Plan® LiveClear® in 2020, the company’s first allergy-fighting cat food and a testament to the importance of IgY antibodies in veterinary research.
ICL’s collection of IgY products range from enriched and purified chicken IgY to biotin conjugated anti-chicken IgY h+l antibodies. Our ready-to-use chicken IgY ELISA kits deliver consistent batch-to-batch performance, ensuring reliable results on veterinary research. Contact one of our IgY experts today to learn how ICL is supporting groundbreaking research around the globe.