“Nickel allergy tracked to a single receptor”

Nickel is the most common allergy amongst individuals today. Nearly five to ten percent of our population suffers from this allergy. But why is this such a common allergy? Well, German researchers have found that this metal activates a receptor called TLR4. Once this receptor is activated it triggers the inflammatory response that causes itching, swelling, and tenderness of the skin. The strange mystery about this metal is that it has no effect on mice at all, but it effects humans.

This relates to biology and science through the topic of physiology. The article talks about the inflammatory response after a person has been exposed to nickel. After being exposed the skin will turn red and break out with a rash. This skin allergy also relates to the integumentary system of the body.

This study is important because it can create a cure for people who are allergic to nickel. Since the nickel allergy has been tracked to a single receptor, it makes understanding the allergy easier for researchers and physicians to understand and cure.