Structure-function Relationships Of Rye Grass Pollen Allergens And Preparation Of Hypoallergenic Mutants For Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$223,928.00
Summary
Grass pollen is an important cause of allergy (eg. hayfever, allergic asthma) world-wide affecting up to 30% of the population. In Australia, rye grass pollen is a clinically significant health problem costing $83-160 million per annum. At present, the main treatment of seasonal allergy is by pharmacotherapy with the use of crude extracts in specific immunotherapy which often causes large and annoying local skin reactions and may even cause anaphylaxis. Moreover, the use of crude extracts in dia ....Grass pollen is an important cause of allergy (eg. hayfever, allergic asthma) world-wide affecting up to 30% of the population. In Australia, rye grass pollen is a clinically significant health problem costing $83-160 million per annum. At present, the main treatment of seasonal allergy is by pharmacotherapy with the use of crude extracts in specific immunotherapy which often causes large and annoying local skin reactions and may even cause anaphylaxis. Moreover, the use of crude extracts in diagnosis of allergy among some atopic individuals may be inaccurate or ineffective. In the last eight years of my research, I have contributed significantly to the identification, characterisation and molecular cloning of grass pollen allergens. In this proposal, I aim to evaluate recombinant rye grass pollen allergens as standardised and more effective diagnostic reagents and, through the identification and better understanding of the allergenic segments of these proteins, to prepare recombinant mutants of the same proteins which are no londer allergenic. Avaliability of such non-allergenic protein reagents will provide safer immunotherapy in the future. Moreover, since the biolgical role, function and structure of such allergens in the grass pollen still remain largely unknown, I will aim to investigate this with the clinically significant allergens of rye grass pollen. Determination of biological function and structure of such allergens will allow their importance for the pollen-plant to be determined and, since function may be relevant to sensitisation of suceptible individuals to these allergens, these findings will stimulate the development of novel concepts in allergen prevention and therapy.Read moreRead less
The Impact Of Outdoor Aeroallergen Exposure On Asthma Exacerbations In Children And Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,924.00
Summary
Asthma is a chronic condition usually diagnosed in childhood and an important public health concern. We do not fully understand what triggers an asthma attack, although outdoor pollen and moulds may be important. This project will establish the relative importance of pollen and moulds in triggering asthma attacks among Australian children. It will fill gaps in our knowledge of environmental triggers of asthma. Such knowledge will improve asthma management and ultimately public health.
The Effect Of Airborne Particles On Chronic Respiratory Disease And The Role Of Public Health Interventions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$54,255.00
Summary
Chronic respiratory diseases place a significant burden on health services in Australia. Defining the role of airborne particles in the exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases could enable many patients to control respiratory symptoms more effectively, thus improving lung function, reducing medication use and lowering the demand for non-urgent health services. Public health interventions, such as health-based air quality warning systems, could also play an important role in heightening awar ....Chronic respiratory diseases place a significant burden on health services in Australia. Defining the role of airborne particles in the exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases could enable many patients to control respiratory symptoms more effectively, thus improving lung function, reducing medication use and lowering the demand for non-urgent health services. Public health interventions, such as health-based air quality warning systems, could also play an important role in heightening awareness of potential environmental triggers of respiratory symptoms, and assist people to manage their exposures and respiratory health more effectively. The project aims to: 1 _ to measure the public health impacts of airborne particulate matter and pollen, on chronic respiratory diseases in Australia. 2 _ to investigate public health interventions that may be used to reduce the number of people adversely affected, to reduce the severity of such effects and to enhance public awareness of the health impacts of environmental allergens.Read moreRead less