A mast cell receptor (MRGPRX2) linked to allergy and inflammation
Official title: Role of a novel human mast cell G protein coupled receptor in Allergy and Inflammation
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11376336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether a mast cell receptor called MRGPRX2 changes allergic reactions in people with asthma or inflammatory skin conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2016 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $487,300 |
| NIH project number | 2R01AI124182-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11376336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with allergic asthma or chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis or chronic hives would be most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
People whose symptoms stem from non-allergic causes or mechanisms unrelated to mast cells are unlikely to see direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Mast cells are immune cells that can drive allergic and inflammatory reactions, and researchers are focusing on a human receptor called MRGPRX2 that is active in skin, lung, and gut mast cells. The team used CRISPR to replace the mouse version of this receptor with the human MRGPRX2 so they can test human-relevant responses in animal models. They will use those mice to study psoriasis-like skin inflammation and allergic asthma, test drugs that block the human receptor, and study how different human gene variants change mast cell signaling in the lab. The approach aims to connect basic lab findings to possible targets for new therapies for non-IgE-mediated allergic conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce allergic asthma and inflammatory skin diseases by blocking or modulating MRGPRX2.
How similar studies have gone: Mouse studies of the related receptor have shown important roles in allergy, but applying those findings to the human MRGPRX2 receptor is novel and not yet tested in people.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ali, Hydar — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ali, Hydar
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.