Hebrew University: New target for allergies

Licensing opportunity

Scientists in the Hebrew University in Jerusalem have discovered a new target involved in triggering asthma and allergies, and the technology is now available for license.

The finding involves the mechanisms that regulate the function of mast cells, which trigger allergic reactions. When exposed to allergens, mast cells release an enormous array of pro-inflammatory substances, of which histamine is a well known example. These substances lead to symptoms ranging from stuffy nose, rash and airway constriction to the lethal anaphylactic shock.

The researchers identified a receptor protein on mast cells, termed CD300a, which blocks the activity of mast cells, preventing them from unleashing allergic responses. Unfortunately, CD300a is widely found throughout the immune system, and simply targeting it could result in overall immune suppression.

To overcome this problem the scientists have designed a small, synthetic, antibody fragment that has the unusual ability of recognising two targets simultaneously - the receptor CD300a and a mast cell-specific marker. Thus, the antibody targets CD300a only on the surface of mast cells, avoiding suppression of other immune cells. This antibody potently eliminated four different types of allergic diseases in mouse models.

When mice suffering from severe chronic allergic asthma received the antibody in nose drops, they reverted to normal, healthy mice in less than two months.

This pioneering project, termed RECEPTRA, presents a novel therapeutic strategy for acute and chronic allergic diseases, and is currently being licensed through Yissum, Hebrew University’s technology transfer company.