Which parts of dust mite, cat, and dog allergens trigger asthma
Antigenic determinants of asthma-associated allergens for design of immunotherapy
Researchers use allergy antibodies from people with asthma to find the exact parts of dust mite, cat, and dog allergens to help design better immunotherapies for children and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indoor Biotechnologies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224429 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses allergy antibodies taken from people with asthma to pinpoint the exact pieces of dust mite, cat, and dog proteins that trigger allergic reactions. Scientists study how those antibodies bind in three dimensions to map the antigenic sites on common allergens. That structural information will be used to design new forms of immunotherapy aimed at teaching the immune system not to overreact. This is laboratory-focused work using patient-derived samples, so it is not a treatment you would receive right away but could guide future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and adults with allergic asthma tied to dust mites, cats, or dogs who are willing to provide a blood sample or allergy history may be candidates to contribute samples.
Not a fit: People whose asthma is driven by other causes or those seeking an immediate new therapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-based work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to safer, more effective allergy immunotherapies that reduce asthma symptoms and emergency visits.
How similar studies have performed: Allergen immunotherapy is an established treatment, but using human IgE monoclonal antibodies to map precise 3D allergen sites is a newer approach with promising but still early evidence.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- Indoor Biotechnologies — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pomes, Anna — Indoor Biotechnologies
- Study coordinator: Pomes, Anna
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.