Understanding how mast cells function in allergic diseases
Official title: Defining Heterogeneous Human Mast Cell Effector Function
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11137583 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called mast cells work in allergies like asthma and food allergies, and it hopes to find better ways to treat these conditions by understanding how these cells act in different parts of the body; patients may be asked to help by giving blood samples for the research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $268,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180332-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137583 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with asthma, food allergies, or related allergic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without allergic conditions or those not affected by asthma or food allergies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mast cells in various allergic conditions, such as asthma and food allergies. It focuses on how these cells behave differently in various tissues and how their unique characteristics can influence inflammation and disease progression. By developing a new cell culture system, researchers aim to study the specific functions of different types of mast cells, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of related diseases. Patients may be involved in providing blood samples to help with this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from asthma and food allergies by targeting specific mast cell functions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding mast cell functions, but this approach is novel in its focus on specific mast cell types and their roles in disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dwyer, Daniel F — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dwyer, Daniel F
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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.