Genetic Variants Linked to Family History of Food Allergies

UTSW study finds comprehensive genetic testing can identify genetic causes in nearly 40% of people with multiple food allergies.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have conducted a study that uses in-depth genetic analysis to explain why food allergies often run in families. The study found that nearly 40% of patients with confirmed allergies to multiple foods carried rare genetic mutations, particularly in a gene that helps maintain the skin's protective barrier. The findings suggest that more comprehensive genetic testing could lead to better approaches for diagnosing and treating food allergies, which affect millions of Americans.

Why it matters

Food allergies are a major public health issue, leading to millions of emergency room visits each year due to severe reactions. However, the underlying genetic causes have remained unclear. This research provides new insights into the heritable nature of food allergies and points to the potential for more personalized, genetically-informed approaches to allergy diagnosis and treatment.

The details

The study recruited patients at the Food Allergy Center at Children's Health in Dallas who were allergic to two or more foods. Using whole exome sequencing, the researchers analyzed DNA from 56 patients and their family members. Nearly 40% of the participants carried rare loss-of-function mutations in genes known to increase allergy risk, particularly the FLG gene that helps maintain the skin's protective barrier. The study also identified rare mutations in immune-related genes, suggesting a potential link between food allergy risk and the immune system's response to infections.

  • The study was published on February 19, 2026 in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
  • UT Southwestern launched its Sequencing Populations to Accelerate Research and Care (SPARC) program in 2025 to further investigate the genetic factors influencing food allergies.

The players

Jeffrey A. SoRelle, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center and the corresponding author of the study.

J. Andrew "Drew" Bird, M.D.

Director of the Food Allergy Center at Children's Health and Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern.

UT Southwestern Medical Center

A premier academic medical center that integrates biomedical research, clinical care, and education.

Food Allergy Center at Children's Health

The center where the study participants were recruited and evaluated.

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What they’re saying

“This research shows that advanced DNA testing can uncover clear genetic causes in nearly 4 out of 10 people with multiple food allergies.”

— Jeffrey A. SoRelle, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics

“This study shows that we should be doing more sequencing in the field of food allergy, including for clinical trials and in research centers.”

— Jeffrey A. SoRelle, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics

What’s next

The research team plans to expand the study through UT Southwestern's Sequencing Populations to Accelerate Research and Care (SPARC) program, which launched in 2025 to investigate how specific genetic variants influence disease course and treatment response for food allergies.

The takeaway

This study provides important new insights into the genetic underpinnings of food allergies, which could lead to more personalized approaches to diagnosis and treatment for the millions of Americans affected by this condition. The findings highlight the value of comprehensive genetic testing in uncovering the complex genetic factors that contribute to food allergies.