Mystery of Allergic Reaction to Nickel Unlocked

August 18, 2010 — 

The Nickel Institute welcomes the findings of a study by German scientists which shows that nickel binds to a single immune-system protein, one of a group of receptors known as Toll-like receptors, which signals the immune system to trigger an inflammatory response in some people.

The findings, reported in the journal Nature Immunology¹, mean that the possibility of contact dermatitis from an allergy to nickel experienced by sensitised people may be able to be treated by blocking this receptor.

Stephen Barnett, President of the Nickel Institute commented: “The Nickel Institute welcomes any research that helps us to understand the mechanism of nickel allergy. It can only be good news if this discovery leads to prevention and treatment of allergic response.”

The nickel industry wholeheartedly supports the 1994 EU Nickel Directive² limiting the release of nickel from consumer products intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with human skin, such as earrings, necklaces and watch straps.

The Nickel Institute provides advice and information on nickel allergic contact dermatitis on its website.

¹ http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100815/full/news.2010.407.html

² 94/27/EC, as amended.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

1. For further information please contact Dr. Peter Cutler, Nickel Institute Director, Promotion, at pcutler@nickelinstitute.org

The Nickel Institute is the organization representing the world's leading and emerging producers of nickel. For more about the Nickel Institute