Understanding how low doses of allergens can prevent allergic reactions in the lungs.
Official title: Mechanisms of Antigen-Induced Tolerance in the Lung
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11113860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how giving tiny amounts of allergens, like dust mites, to newborn mice might help prevent lung allergies, like asthma, and hopes to find new ways to treat people with allergies in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $528,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176632-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113860 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children who are at risk of developing allergic diseases, particularly those with a family history of allergies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established severe allergic reactions or those who do not have a history of allergies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how repeated exposure to low doses of allergens, like house dust mites, can help prevent allergic reactions in the lungs. By using a new model with newborn mice, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind this tolerance, particularly focusing on the role of specific cells and molecules in the lungs. The researchers will explore how these processes can be translated into potential treatments for allergic diseases, especially asthma, which currently lacks effective allergen immunotherapy options. The findings could lead to safer and more effective therapies for individuals suffering from allergies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent allergic reactions in patients with asthma and other allergic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using allergen immunotherapy for other allergic conditions, but this specific approach in asthma is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Anuradha — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ray, Anuradha
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.