InBio, a global leader in allergy research, was recently awarded a $3.5 million R01 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding supports a groundbreaking initiative to develop innovative immunotherapeutic tools targeting allergens from house dust mites, cats, and dogs—major contributors to allergic reactions and asthma.
Asthma remains the most common chronic disease among children in the United States, affecting one in twelve and incurring an estimated annual economic burden of approximately $80 billion. By focusing on the molecular interactions between allergens and the immune system, InBio aims to pave the way for safer, more effective treatments.
“Understanding how the immune system mistakenly targets harmless substances is key to developing safer, more effective allergy treatments,” said Dr. Anna Pomés, Principal Investigator and Director of Basic Research at InBio. “Our goal is to identify the specific regions of allergens, known as IgE epitopes, that trigger immune responses and to use that knowledge to design hypoallergenic molecules as tools for potential use in immunotherapy.”
The project employs a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together internationally recognized experts in immunology, structural biology, and biotechnology. Collaborators include:
Drs. Kriti Khatri and Maksymilian Chruszcz, Michigan State University – conducting crystallographic analyses of allergen-antibody complexes.
Dr. Scott Smith, University of Virginia – faculty at the new Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, specializing in the generation of IgE monoclonal antibodies.
Dr. Judith Woodfolk, University of Virginia – Allergy Division, focusing on T cell immune responses to allergens.
Dr. Geoffrey Mueller, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – provides structural analyses using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
This collaborative effort will accelerate the development of modified allergens with reduced side effects, enhancing the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy for allergic diseases.
“InBio has always believed that collaboration is integral to scientific achievement,” said Dr. Martin Chapman, President and CEO of InBio. “This project exemplifies that spirit – bringing together scientists from industry, academia and government laboratories.”
The NIH award, in a challenging funding environment, underscores the scientific merit of InBio’s innovative approach. With this funding through 2030, InBio enters a new phase of research that promises to open transformative avenues in allergy treatment.
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