Grantee Research Project Results
Development of Molecular Biomarkers to Measure Environmentally Induced Immune Responses
EPA Grant Number: R832947Title: Development of Molecular Biomarkers to Measure Environmentally Induced Immune Responses
Investigators: Miller, Lisa A. , Gilliland, Frank D. , Abel, Kristina , Margolis, Helene , Gern, James , Joad, Jesse
Institution: University of California - Davis
EPA Project Officer: Callan, Richard
Project Period: June 15, 2006 through June 14, 2009 (Extended to December 14, 2011)
Project Amount: $712,423
RFA: Early Indicators of Environmentally Induced Disease (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Human Health
Objective:
There is a strong correlation between air pollutant exposure, persistent respiratory symptoms, and asthma in children. The mechanisms for this phenomenon are unknown because of a limited ability to evaluate immune responses in very young children. The primary objective of this project is to establish a panel of immune biomarkers that will be used to detect environmentally induced disease in humans, focusing on parameters of allergy and asthma. The overall hypothesis of this project is that molecular biology techniques can accurately provide quantitative measurements of immune cell phenotype and function in small biological samples.
Approach:
In this proposal, we will develop a panel of oligonucleotide primers and probes for real-time quantitative PCR analysis of immune cell phenotype and function. The significance of each immune biomarker in the context of environmentally induced allergic airways disease will subsequently be determined by evaluating peripheral blood and airway cells obtained from an infant rhesus monkey model of environmentally induced asthma.
Expected Results:
This study will generate a panel of sensitive molecular biomarkers to measure environmentally induced changes in systemic and local immune responses within small biological samples. Once tested and characterized, these reagents can be immediately incorporated as a part of the National Children’s Study to investigate how environmental exposure to air pollutants can modulate the immune system during early childhood development.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 6 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 4 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
immunology, ozone, indoor air, health effects, susceptibility,, RFA, Health, Air, Scientific Discipline, PHYSICAL ASPECTS, HUMAN HEALTH, Susceptibility/Sensitive Population/Genetic Susceptibility, Health Risk Assessment, Physical Processes, Risk Assessments, particulate matter, genetic susceptability, Environmental Chemistry, Allergens/Asthma, Health Effects, Environmental Monitoring, health risks, sensitive populations, asthma, chemical characteristics, airway inflammation, asthma indices, asthma triggers, environmental risks, human exposure, second hand smoke, ambient air monitoring, airborne particulate matter, aerosol composition, atmospheric particles, exposure, particulates, atmospheric aerosol particles, airborne pollutants, allergic response, atmospheric particulate matter, air pollution, ambient air quality, human health risk, human susceptibility, air toxics, airway disease, inhalationProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.