Researchers in the US are close to developing a safe cashew nut by reshaping proteins so they are no longer recognised by the immune system, The Telegraph reported.

The response is caused by antibodies which latch on to the proteins. Scientists have discovered that they can change the shape of the proteins so that they pass unseen by the immune system.

Dr Mattison and his team discovered that treating cell proteins in the lab with a compound of sodium sulphite, they could change their shape.

Next, they plan to conduct experiments on whole nuts and test the modified proteins on cells in the lab to see how they respond.

Although this particular report focuses on cashew proteins, Mattison says the work could have broader implications.

The study was presented at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco.