Prevention of Allergic Disease Using Nanomaterials

利用纳米材料预防过敏性疾病

基本信息

批准号：
7944097
负责人：
Chris L KEPLEY
金额：
$ 26.33万
依托单位：
LUNA INNOVATIONS, INC.
依托单位国家：
美国
项目类别：
财政年份：
2009
资助国家：
美国
起止时间：
2009-09-30 至 2011-07-31
项目状态：
已结题

项目摘要

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Nanotechnology, the use of nanomaterials at the molecular level, is a multidisciplinary scientific field undergoing exponential growth and has broad applications among all divisions of science. One form of nanomaterials, fullerenes, is soccer-ball-shaped carbon cages that can be functionalized and derivatized with a wide array of molecules. Given their unique structure and properties, fullerenes are being investigated as a new and/or improved way to diagnose, monitor, and treat certain conditions. However, no studies have examined the effects these compounds have on the allergic response. Mast cells (MC) and peripheral blood basophils (PBB) are important effector cells that have traditionally been associated with initiating and propagating the allergic response. Recent studies suggest that these cells may also be important regulators of inflammation and innate immunity. We have discovered an unexpected and new mechanism through which the allergic process is inhibited using fullerenes. We hypothesize that fullerene nanomaterials may be a heretofore unrecognized, and potentially useful, way to inhibit diseases that are critically affected by MC and PBB responses. Further, we hypothesize these molecules may be manipulated in such a way that allows them to specifically target MC and PBB. To test these hypotheses we will use a combination of primary human MC and PBB in addition to murine models of human disease including allergy, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Our goal is to determine if fullerenes can inhibit the induction and progression of those diseases that have previously been shown to have a large MC/PBB influence. This completely novel research program may lay the foundation for new strategies not only for allergy treatment but for those diseases that are mediated by MC and PBB responses such as arthritis and autoimmune disease. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Mast cells are important effector cells that have traditionally been associated with initiating and propagating the allergic response but recent studies suggest that these cells may also be important regulators of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune disorders. We have discovered a new mechanism through which the allergic process is inhibited using nanomaterials called fullerenes. The goal of this proposal is to determine if these molecules could potentially be a viable new therapy for MC-mediated disease. PHS 398/2590 (Rev. 09/04, Reissued 4/2006) Page Continuation Format Page

描述（由申请人提供）：纳米技术，即在分子水平上使用纳米材料，是一个呈指数增长的多学科科学领域，在所有科学领域都有广泛的应用。纳米材料的一种形式富勒烯是足球形状的碳笼，可以用多种分子进行功能化和衍生化。鉴于其独特的结构和特性，富勒烯正在被研究作为诊断、监测和治疗某些病症的新的和/或改进的方法。然而，没有研究检验这些化合物对过敏反应的影响。肥大细胞 (MC) 和外周血嗜碱性粒细胞 (PBB) 是重要的效应细胞，传统上与引发和传播过敏反应有关。最近的研究表明，这些细胞也可能是炎症和先天免疫的重要调节因子。我们发现了一种意想不到的新机制，通过该机制可以使用富勒烯抑制过敏过程。我们假设富勒烯纳米材料可能是一种迄今为止未被认识的、潜在有用的方法，可以抑制受 MC 和 PBB 反应严重影响的疾病。此外，我们假设这些分子可能以某种方式被操纵，使它们能够特异性地靶向 MC 和 PBB。为了测试这些假设，除了过敏、关节炎和多发性硬化症等人类疾病的小鼠模型外，我们还将使用原代人类 MC 和 PBB 的组合。我们的目标是确定富勒烯是否可以抑制那些先前已被证明对 MC/PBB 影响较大的疾病的诱导和进展。这项全新的研究计划不仅可以为过敏治疗的新策略奠定基础，还可以为由 MC 和 PBB 反应介导的疾病（如关节炎和自身免疫性疾病）的新策略奠定基础。公共卫生相关性肥大细胞是重要的效应细胞，传统上与引发和传播过敏反应有关，但最近的研究表明，这些细胞也可能是关节炎、多发性硬化症和其他自身免疫性疾病的重要调节因子。我们发现了一种新机制，通过使用称为富勒烯的纳米材料来抑制过敏过程。该提案的目标是确定这些分子是否有可能成为治疗 MC 介导疾病的可行新疗法。 PHS 398/2590（修订版 09/04，重新发布 4/2006）页面延续格式页面