Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that is triggered by food, medications or venoms. It is characterized by fatal respiratory, circulation, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. An estimated 2.5 million Canadians live with anaphylaxis with up to 2% of Canadians at risk. However, anaphylaxis diagnosis and treatment are inadequate because its underlying mechanisms are not fully established. Currently, anaphylaxis is believed to be mediated by immune cells (mast cells and basophils), which release inflammation-causing mediators. Neuro-immunology research has shown specialized sensory neurons called nociceptors release mediators called neuropeptides, which act on allergic-type immune cells to regulate immunity. Indeed, our work in neuroimmunology has shown that mice who lack nociceptors are more susceptible to anaphylaxis and have poor survival when challenged with allergens. Given that mice lacking nociceptors have poor survival and that anaphylactic response is mediated by mast cells and basophils, we propose that nociceptors protect the host from undergoing life-threatening anaphylaxis by regulating the function of these immune cell types. In this project, we will use animal models to gain a better understanding of how disruption of nociceptors in the brain modulates the allergy detection system. Specifically, we will analyze whether the function of mast cells and basophils in anaphylaxis alters in the absence of sensory neurons and if so, how it occurs. The research will provide us with crucial information on how our peripheral sensory systems and immune systems interact, paving the way for entirely new approaches to reducing the development and severity of anaphylaxis.