How IL-13 helps the immune system make allergy-causing IgE
Immune Mechanisms Regulating Allergy
This research looks at how the immune signal IL‑13 causes B cells to make the allergy-causing antibody IgE, which may explain severe allergic reactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239777 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide blood or tissue samples so researchers can study a signal called IL‑13 and a rare helper T cell (Tfh13) that seems to tell B cells to make strong IgE antibodies. The team will use both mouse models and human immune cells in specialized lab cultures to see when and where IL‑13 acts on B cells during antibody formation. They will examine B cell survival, switching to IgE, and the quality (affinity and sialylation) of the IgE produced. The goal is to understand why some people develop long‑lived, high‑affinity IgE and life‑threatening reactions like anaphylaxis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with IgE‑mediated allergies—especially those with high IgE levels, food allergies, or a history of anaphylaxis—who can donate blood or tissue samples.
Not a fit: People without IgE‑mediated allergies or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to stop production of the most dangerous allergy antibodies and help prevent severe allergic reactions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse and human studies identified Tfh13 cells and linked IL‑13 to high‑affinity IgE, but translating these findings into new treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenbarth, Stephanie Caroline — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Eisenbarth, Stephanie Caroline
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 below.