Investigating how mast cells affect food allergy symptoms through specific signaling pathways
Official title: Mast cell regulation of food allergen induced malaise through GDF15-GFRAL signaling
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10993096 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your body, called mast cells, affect food allergies and the uncomfortable symptoms like stomach pain and nausea that can come with them, and it's for anyone who wants to understand more about why their body reacts to certain foods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI174787-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993096 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diagnosed food allergies who experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without food allergies or those who do not experience gastrointestinal symptoms related to food intake may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of mast cells in food allergies, particularly how they contribute to symptoms like abdominal pain and nausea. It focuses on a signaling pathway involving GDF15 and its receptor GFRAL, which may influence how the body reacts to food allergens. By studying allergic mice, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind these reactions and how they can lead to avoidance behaviors in patients. The approach includes advanced techniques like qPCR and FISH to analyze tissue responses following allergen exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate food allergy symptoms and improve quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in food allergies, but the specific role of GDF15-GFRAL signaling in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bachtel, Nathaniel Dale — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Bachtel, Nathaniel Dale
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.