Discovering the mechanism of action of a novel immunotherapy, Cat-SPIRE, using a network analysis

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory condition of the nasal passages induced after allergen exposure in sensitized individuals. Approximately 20-25% of Canadians suffer from allergic rhinitis, with cat allergy affecting up to 15% of people with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. Although existing immunotherapies have some effectiveness, these have safety problems and require long-term treatment. A novel immunotherapy, Cat-Synthetic Peptide Immuno-Regulatory Epitopes (Cat-SPIRE), composed of seven synthetic molecules related to cat allergen, acts on allergen-specific immune cells to induce subsequent clinical tolerance to cat allergen with reduced side effects and a shorter treatment time. Its specific mechanism is not yet fully understood. Young Woong Kim will participate in a study to discover the mechanism using blood samples and clinical data obtained from research participants who have undertaken Cat-SPIRE clinical trials at Adiga Life Sciences, Inc. The investigation of the effects of Cat-SPIRE will allow us to find significant gene expression signatures for diagnosis and effectiveness of the treatments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Tebbutt

Student:

Young Woong Kim

Partner:

Adiga Life Science Inc.

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of British Columbia