Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Asthma
In this five-year, three-part study, researchers will analyze the complex interactions between genes, environment, and the immune system during the initial phases of asthma. Their comprehensive approach will integrate molecular, immunologic, genetic, genomic, and epidemiologic factors with a goal of finding early immune system alterations related to the development of asthma-a strategy essential to preventing and treating the disease. This project is supported by a $7 million National Institutes of Health Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) grant.
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Project 1
In this project, researchers will examine genetic data from a group of children in rural Europe to better understand the apparent protective effect of early exposure to allergens on the development of asthma. The object is to determine why these children were less susceptible to asthma despite exposure to allergens in their farming communities.
- Project Leader: Fernando D. Martinez, MD
- Co-Principal Investigator: Walter Klimecki, DVM, PhD
- Co-Principal Investigator: Catharine Holberg, PhD
- Co-Principal Investigator: Penelope Graves, ScD
- Co-Principal Investigator: Erika von Mutuis, MD, MSc
Project 2
In the second project, researchers will study factors that link eczema with asthma and how those factors influence immune system development. Eczema is the earliest allergic disease we can detect, and 60% of children with eczema go on to develop asthma. However, although most children who develop asthma react to airborne allergens early in life, not all children who have these reactions develop asthma. The object of this project is to better explain genetic and immune factors underlying the strong relationship between childhood eczema and the development of asthma.
- Project leader: Marilyn Halonen, PhD
- Co-Investigator: Anne L. Wright, PhD
Project 3
In the third project, researchers will look at alterations in the process by which cells become specialized to produce antibodies against allergens-alterations that are also present in asthma. Understanding the complex molecular mechanisms involved in gene regulation in the immune system could lead to a new approach to treating and preventing asthma by regulating immune system responses to allergens.
- Project Leader: Donata Vercelli, MD
Primary focus: Asthma
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