How immune cells react in bee sting allergy
Characterization of innate and IgE-mediated mast cell functions in honeybee venom allergy using Collaborative Cross mice
Researchers are using special mice to learn how mast cells respond to honeybee venom so we can better understand and prevent severe allergic reactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159767 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, scientists are studying genetically diverse mice to see how genes change the way mast cells react to bee venom. They trigger mast cells through IgE and venom exposure and measure release of stored granules, lipid mediators, and cytokines. The team will also test whether mast cell enzymes can break down venom and reduce its toxicity, and compare responses across mouse strains to find protective or harmful genetic traits. This could point to biological pathways that explain why some people get life‑threatening reactions while others do not.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of bee sting allergy or past severe anaphylaxis from insect stings would be most likely to follow this research and be candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: Patients without venom allergy or those whose allergic reactions have unrelated causes may not directly benefit from this specific mouse-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal immune mechanisms or targets that lead to better prevention or treatments for dangerous bee sting allergies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work has shown mast cell enzymes can degrade venoms and that IgE-driven mast cell responses can sometimes improve survival, but translating these findings to people remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galli, Stephen Joseph — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Galli, Stephen Joseph
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.