T Cell PKC Expression As A Novel Neonatal Predictor And Modulator Of Allergic Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$557,939.00
Summary
This application will further assess the role of a novel biological predictor of allergic disease, which appears more accurate than any previous marker (based on preliminary data). This is highly relevant to development of predictive tools that could be ultimately used in clinical practice. We will also assess this marker as a potential target for disease prevention, as our preliminary data also indicates that it can be modified by an early intervention aimed at preventing allergic disease.
Couch Grass Allergy: Cellular And Molecular Studies Directed At Improved Specific Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,980.00
Summary
Couch grass pollen is increasingly important in Australia and other temperate and subtropical regions as a seasonal allergen causing asthma and hay fever. In our allergy clinic 85% of patients with seasonal asthma and-or hay fever are allergic to both couch grass pollen and rye grass pollen. Standard allergy treatment shots usually cover the rye grass pollen allergens but there is no cross-reactivity with couch grass pollen and therefore symptoms due to couch grass pollen are not controlled. The ....Couch grass pollen is increasingly important in Australia and other temperate and subtropical regions as a seasonal allergen causing asthma and hay fever. In our allergy clinic 85% of patients with seasonal asthma and-or hay fever are allergic to both couch grass pollen and rye grass pollen. Standard allergy treatment shots usually cover the rye grass pollen allergens but there is no cross-reactivity with couch grass pollen and therefore symptoms due to couch grass pollen are not controlled. These shots are seldom used in asthmatic patients because of the risk of severe asthma or generalised allergic reactions. We plan to examine human blood cell responses to couch grass pollen allergens before and after allergy shots with a preparation that includes couch grass pollen and rye grass pollen. A comparable control group of patients receiving only drug therapy will also be investigated. This study will identify dominant sites of couch grass pollen allergen immunoreactivity and reveal mechanisms of desensitisation. Based on this information, we will develop novel couch grass pollen proteins that retain the positive features needed for a successful desensitising vaccine but without the ability to bind to allergy antibodies and possibly cause severe adverse events such as asthma attacks. These preparations could be used to provide safer and more effective allergy treatments that can be used in hay fever sufferers and asthmatics.Read moreRead less