Understanding how IgE antibodies affect human immunity to ticks
Official title: Role of IgE in human disease and immunity to ticks
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11059167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain antibodies in your body react to tick bites, especially for people who have had multiple bites or have alpha-gal syndrome, to better understand allergies and immunity, and it may help find new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | March 20, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $726,387 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182247-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced recurrent tick bites or have been diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no history of tick exposure or do not suffer from tick-related allergies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of IgE antibodies in the immune response to tick bites, particularly focusing on how these antibodies can lead to allergic reactions, such as alpha-gal syndrome, or provide protection against future bites. The researchers will collect and analyze IgE antibodies from individuals who have experienced multiple tick bites or have alpha-gal syndrome. By studying these antibodies, the team aims to uncover the mechanisms behind tick-related allergies and immunity, which could lead to new treatment strategies. Patients may be involved in providing blood samples to help identify specific IgE responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of tick-related allergies, improving quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding allergic responses to ectoparasites, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Scott Alan — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Smith, Scott Alan
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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.