Project description
A nanotechnology-based allergy test
Nearly 1 in 10 individuals develop an allergy to betalactams, the most common class of antibiotics. The current method of diagnosing betalactam allergy is the conventional skin test which, however, may have adverse effects. The scope of the EU-funded ASSERT project is to advance the basophil activation test (BAT) as a routine diagnostic method for betalactam allergy. BAT measures activation of basophils that mediate allergic reactions by releasing histamine following stimulation with allergen. Researchers will employ nanotechnology to improve the precision and reproducibility of the BAT assay and validate it for routine clinical use.
Objective
Betalactams (BL) are the most widely used antibiotics and the first-choice drugs to control several bacterial infections, however, they can lead to serious allergic reactions in up to 10% of the general population. The current diagnosis of allergy to BL includes skin test and/or drug provocation tests, which are invasive and carry a risk of anaphylaxis requiring hospitalisation. Basophil activation test (BAT) is one of the best options for diagnosis of allergy because it is free of risk and at a reduced cost for health care. The ASSERT project will bring a nanotechnology-based BAT assay specific for allergy to BL with higher sensitivity and specificity, which are the main weakness of the current assays. Of importance, the number and conformation of displayed antigens at the nanoparticle surface will be controlled to assure standardisation and increase precision and reproducibility of the assay. In addition, a complete validation plan is envisaged to fit the standards for clinical diagnostics. The two factors for the success of the project are, one one hand, the solid experience of the host lab in immunology, specially allergy and nanoparticle technology and, on the other hand, the expertise of the candidate in immunology, molecular biology and test validation design for clinical diagnostics. Moreover, the the two way of transfer of knowledge is assured, which will help the candidate to restart her research career in the European Union. Finally, the expected results of the project will contribute to enlarge the basic knowledge about allergen-specific activation of basophils, and will give rise to an optimised BL-BAT assay with the required clinical and analytical validation to be used in diagnostics.
Fields of science
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunology
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsantibiotics
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicineallergology
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biology
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
29590 MALAGA
Spain