The role of mast cell-dendritic cell interactions in responses to airway allergen exposure.

Allergic asthma is a common disease in both adults and children. Asthma symptoms are known to be brought about by the release of substances from a type of immune cell known as the mast cell. We are examining how the substances released from mast cells can act on other parts of the immune system to potentially increase the chances of becoming allergic to things in our environment. Using a variety of experimental models, we will be testing the possibility that once an individual is allergic to one thing in the environment (e.g. house dust) they are at increased risk of becoming allergic to others (e.g. pollen) as a result of the activities of mast cells. Studies in this area, aim to provide a better understanding of how chronic allergic asthma develops and suggest new strategies by which it could be treated or prevented.