# LJI Epitope Validation Center: Characterization of epitope-specific T cells responding to food, fungal and inner city allergens

> **NIH NIH U19** · LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY · 2020 · $1,058,699

## Abstract

CENTER PROGRAM SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Our proposal will use epitopes to comparatively evaluate immune responses in three different prototypic
allergic diseases. We will study cockroach (CR) and mouse (MO) inhalation allergens, which are associated
with the development of asthma in inner city children (Project 1); cow’s milk (CM), the most prevalently
recognized pediatric food allergen (Project 2); and Aspergillus (ASP) and Alternaria (ALT) fungal allergens,
which are associated with severe forms of asthma (Project 3). The extensive scientific overlap will offer
opportunities for synergies between projects. Our study extensively utilizes cohorts independently funded by
NIAID, to further multiply synergies and impact of the investigations. The evolution of responses will be
examined as a function of time following natural exposure, exposure as part of work-duties and allergen
immunotherapy (AIT). We will also study and compare individuals that are exposed but remain healthy, to
people that have mild allergies and those that have severe asthma. Our hypothesis is that these distinct groups
can be distinguished on the basis of their T cell response. Specifically, different groups might recognize
different protein allergens or fragments (epitopes). It is also possible that the protein and genetic programs
characteristic of T cells (T cell phenotypes) seen in allergic diseases of different types and severity will be
unique. Our additional hypotheses are that evolution of T cell phenotypes can give us insights into the
mechanism of allergic and asthmatic disease. If this were to be the case, it would have potential diagnostic
value, and possibly suggest new therapeutic interventions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9843096
- **Project number:** 5U19AI135731-03
- **Recipient organization:** LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Alessandro Sette
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,058,699
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-01-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9843096

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9843096, LJI Epitope Validation Center: Characterization of epitope-specific T cells responding to food, fungal and inner city allergens (5U19AI135731-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9843096. Licensed CC0.

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