The Division of Allergy and Immunology offers information about news coverage and happenings involving members of our division and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED).
Learn more about research efforts on eosinophilic conditions. The Research Horizons blog provides news and insights about the latest discoveries and innovations developed by the scientists of Cincinnati Children’s.
Tale of Two Studies Shows Mixed Progress Against EoE
Cincinnati Children’s Working to Help Kids Suffering From Peanut Allergies
Cincinnati Children’s Receives NIH Grant to Become CoFAR Clinical Research Center
Artificial Intelligence Assists Expanded Hunt for Cells Driving Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Cincinnati Children’s Joins Consortium of Food Allergy Research
FARE Releases Educational Resources for Those Without the Disease of Food Allergy
Statement: NIH Trial Data Underpins FDA Approval of Omalizumab for Food Allergy
Researchers Produce Annotated Molecular Map of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
How Common are Penicillin Allergies? CDC Says "True Penicillin Allergy" is Rare
Why Your Child Most Likely Does Not Have A Penicillin Allergy
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Risk Linked to Medications in Pregnancy, Infancy
Profiling the Liver’s Frontline Defender
Takeda Announces FDA Acceptance of NDA Resubmission of TAK-721 (budesonide oral suspension) for the Short-Term Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) "This is an exciting step forward and shows the impact that our collective voices and partnership can have. I am optimistic about the outcome." ~Marc Rothenberg
TSLP Inhibitors Emerge as Potential Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Arnold Strauss Research Fellowship: Mario Ynga Durand, MD, PhD
After 1 Year, Weekly Doses of Dupilumab Most Effective at Managing Eosinophilic Esophagitis
The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology interviewed Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD about the recent findings regarding benralizumab for eosinophilic gastritis.
Wider Search Needed to Better Treat Eosinophilic Food Allergy
Pew Latin American Fellow: Mario Alberto Ynga Durand
FARE Announces Formation of Scientific Advisory Council
Marc Rothenberg Earns UC College of Medicine’s Top Award
Curiosity Drives Drake Medal Winner Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD
Consult on Antibiotic Associated Rashes
Rare Disease Day: an Opportunity to Learn More
Eliminating Just One Food Trigger Can Improve Life for People With EoE
Bringing Dietary Therapy for Eosinophilic Oesophagitis Under Scientific Scrutiny
Milk Elimination Diet Shows Promise as First-Line Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
CEGIR’s Marc Rothenberg Receives AAAAI 2023 Distinguished Scientist Award
2022 Research Highlight Videos: Division of Allergy and Immunology at Cincinnati Children's
Characterizing Eosinophilic Duodenitis
Clinical Trial Research Participation: a few words from Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD
Biological Agent Successfully Treats Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Dupilumab improves eosinophilic esophagitis outcomes through 52 weeks
Tetsuo Shoda, MD, PhD Receives Trustee Award for his outstanding proposal entitled “Role of RhoA GTPase Pathway in Eosinophilic Esophagitis”.
Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGID): Clinical Trial Update In View of Recent 2022 Data
Update on the MESSINA Phase III trial for Fasenra in eosinophilic esophagitis
Cincinnati Children's Hospital's Rothenberg named to National Academy of Medicine
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD Elected to National Academy of Medicine
Food Allergies Oral Immunotherapy Treatment Teal Pumpkin Campaign and More
2023 AAAAI Honorary Award Recipient of Distinguished Scientist Award: Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD
First FDA-Approved Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis Has Roots in NIAID-Funded Research
Marc Rothenberg, MD - Stephen I. Wasserman Lecture: Journey to the First FDA-Approved Drug
Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders at Cincinnati Children's
Vitamin D Supplementation Alleviates IL-13–Induced Esophageal Inflammation
Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms may benefit from gastric emptying studies
Marc Rothenberg selected as the 2023 recipient of the AAAAI Distinguished Scientist Award
New Treatment Gives Hope to Those with Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Journal Devotes Cover to Eosinophilic Esophagitis Research
CEGIR: Online Communities Illuminate Needs and Goals of Patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Development of Outcome Metrics Leads to First FDA-Approved Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Young and Healthy Podcast: 2022 Formula Shortage: Update for Families
Why Your Child Most Likely Does Not Have A Penicillin Allergy
NORD Applauds House Passage of H.R. 7667, the Food and Drug Amendments of 2022
FDA Approves Dupilumab for Children With Eczema Aged 6 Months to 5 Years
Q&A: Dupilumab Approved for EoE, Plus Hope for More Therapies
Q&A: FDA approval of dupilumab for eosinophilic esophagitis a ‘victory for rare diseases’
FDA Approval of Dupilumab Celebration at Cincinnati Children's
First Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis Wins FDA Approval
FDA Approves First Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis, a Chronic Immune Disorder
One Family’s Story about Penicillin Allergy Testing
Scientists Making Progress Against a Severe Form of Food Allergy
What to Expect from Your Nasal Endoscopy Video
Highlights of Eosinophilic Disease-Related Research (May 2021-2022)
Message on National Eosinophilic Awareness Week: CEGIR Administrative Director
Message on National Eosinophilic Awareness Week: CEGIR Principal Investigator
2022 Scholar Day Presentation by Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (NORD) Video
Cures Within Reach seeks clinical trials in health disparities or led by underserved researchers
Young and Healthy Podcast: Plant-based Milk Alternatives and Kids
2022 Eleventh Annual Department of Internal Medicine Research Symposium
Congratulations to the Internal Medicine Allergy Fellows whose research were recognized at the 2022 Eleventh Annual Department of Internal Medicine Research Symposium!
March 24
New Federal Spending Bill Also Helps Food Allergic School Children
March 22
Earlier and Longer Pollen Seasons Due to Climate Change Expected to Impact Allergic Diseases
March 16
Climate Change Cited as Cause of Recent Increases in Asthma Allergy Prevalence
February 13
Building a Community to Change the Outcome Together Through Research
January
World Allergy Organization (WAO) Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow's Milk Allergy (DRACMA) Guidelines update – I – Plan and definitions
Since the World Allergy Organization (WAO) Diagnosis and Rationale against Cow's Milk Allergy (DRACMA) Guidelines were published 10 years ago, new evidence has accumulated about the diagnosis, therapy, and specific immunotherapy for cow's milk allergy (CMA). For this reason, WAO has felt the need to update the guidelines. Thank you to our local colleague, Amal H. Assa'ad, MD, for her dedicated work as part of the WAO DRACMA guideline group!
January 26
Community Access Funding to Focus on Increasing Diverse Engagement in Food Allergy Research
January 26
Molecular Analysis Suggests Eosinophilic Colitis is a Unique Disease
January 24
Cincinnati Magazine Top Doctors of 2022
Thank you to all our physicians for the great work that they do every day and congratulations to Drs. Sandy Durrani, Yasmin Hassoun, Michelle Lierl, Kimberly Risma, and Marc Rothenberg for being recognized as Top Doctors 2022 in Allergy/Immunology by Cincinnati Magazine!
January
Allergic to Penicillin? Don't Make Rash Judgments
January 7
Preparing for Progress on Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases Beyond Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Remote immune processes revealed by immune-derived circulating cell-free DNA
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD and his team are collaborating with Israeli scientists to develop non-invasive biomarkers for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); in this publication, they describe recent findings in their pursuit to develop an EoE blood test.Two Genes Associated with Familial EoE
2021 STAT Wunderkind Award to Tetsuo Shoda
Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR) Video
Artificial Intelligence Holds the Key to Diagnosing Rare Esophageal Food Allergy Disease
“It is exciting to see this continual positive data, especially knowing that the foundation for this therapy was derived from our long term research focus deciphering the role of type 2 immunity (IL-13) in Eosinophilic Esophagitis and other related diseases." ~Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD
Cincinnati Children’s Launching Collaboration with Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Neonatal Antibiotics Disrupt Esophageal Microbiota, May Increase Risk of EoE
Groundbreaking partnership combines Israeli technological prowess with pediatric medicine
Discovery of Rapid-Response Signaling Platform Suggests New Path for Blocking Allergic Inflammation
Melanie Uses Pageant Platform to Share Her Story and Build Eosinophilic Esophagitis Awareness
Congratulations to Amal H. Assa'ad, MD for one of her July publications being among the most shared science at Cincinnati Children's!
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Awardee
Congratulations to Andrea for winning 2nd place for her Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) presentation! This presentation was based on the research that Andrea conducted in the Rothenberg CURED Lab through the SURF Medical Exploration program. Under the mentorship of Julia Dunn, PhD and Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, Andrea investigated gene expression patterns of eosinophils in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.
Division NIH LRP Awardees
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Ashley L. Devonshire, MD, MPH and third-year clinical fellow Simin Zhang, MD, for being recognized for their excellence with awards from a Loan Repayment Program (LRP) of the National Institutes of Health! The NIH LRPs are a set of programs established by Congress and designed to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals into biomedical or biobehavioral research careers. The escalating costs of advanced education and training in medicine and clinical specialties are forcing some scientists to abandon their research careers for higher-paying private industry or private practice careers. The LRPs counteract that financial pressure by repaying up to $50,000 annually of a researcher's qualified educational debt in return for a commitment to engage in NIH mission-relevant research and are highly competitive. Drs. Devonshire and Zhang continue the strong showing of the division in having NIH LRP recipients, including prior NIH LRP awards to Drs. Michael G. Sherenian, MD, MS, Steve P. Proper, DO, PhD, and Joseph Sherrill, PhD. Since tomorrow's medical breakthroughs will be made by investigators starting in their research careers today, the LRPs represent an important investment by NIH in the future of health discovery and the wellbeing of the Nation and represent recognition of an investigator's potential. Dr. Devonshire is currently researching food allergy and food allergy risk in infants. Dr. Zhang is currently researching mast cell involvement and functions in eosinophilic esophagitis under the mentorship of Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD and J. Pablo Abonia, MD.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Food Allergy Connection
“Common gastrointestinal ailments, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain, may instead be food-induced allergic disorders,” says our Cincinnati Children's Center for Pediatric Genomics awardee Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD in the NY Times.
Less Restrictive Diet for Adult EoE with Milk Trigger: Some Adults with EoE Allergy Can Just Cut Milk, Instead of 6 Foods
Care Providers Read Patient Comments from Experience Surveys: Yasmin Hassoun
At Cincinnati Children's, our caregivers go above and beyond each day to give patients the best experience possible. Hear how they, including Yasmin Hassoun, MD (Allergy/Immunology), react to meaningful words straight from their patient families.
Eosinophilic Asthma: What Doctors Need You to Know
Man Undergoing Treatment of Rare Genetic Condition Graduates College 2,500 Miles Away From Home
Decoding the Mysteries of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
This is encouraging news for all of our patients and families effected by the combination of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs).Congratulations to two of our Cincinnati Children's and University of Cincinnati Allergy / Immunology fellows for being recognized with first and second place in clinical research at the 10th Annual Department of Internal Medicine Research Symposium. Simin Zhang, MD was awarded 1st for her project “Clinical Significance of Mast Cell Density in GI Biopsies in Patients Presenting for Evaluation of GI Mast Cell Disorders”, and David Adams, PhD was awarded 2nd place for his project: "Multifactorial Regulation of Axl Expression".
March
Who We Are: Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network Video
February 22
Cincinnati Children’s Team and Faculty Awards
Allergy Nursing Team recognized as the “2020 Top Performing Small Division for Outstanding Nursing Patient Family Experience (PFE)”! This honor was awarded based on a review of the annual experience survey scores and positive comments, which highlight the exceptional feedback the team routinely receives from the patients and families. The team was recognized in a virtual awards ceremony held on Monday, February 22nd. Thank you for all you do, for making a difference in the lives of so many families and for promoting a positive experience at Cincinnati Children’s!
Vincent Mukkada, MD received the “2020 Top Pediatric Provider Award” at Cincinnati Children’s! This is an amazing, well-deserved accomplishment, reflecting not only his outstanding clinical care, but also a great team at large with the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders.
Kimberly Risma, MD, PhD received the “2020 Clinical Care Achievement Award”! Dr. Risma is an extraordinary clinician whose innovation has led to the creation of the Drug Allergy Program launched in 2019. She is also having a leading impact in promoting the next generation of physicians in the allergy and immunology field. This award is most deserving and demonstrates appreciation for her immense dedication, talents and contributions.
February 11
2020 Research Highlights: Division of Allergy and Immunology
February 11
RDCRN Announces New 2021 Network Steering Committee Leadership
We are pleased to announce that Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD has been elected as co-chair of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN, www.rarediseasesnetwork.org) Steering Committee. Dr. Rothenberg will join Dr. Jennifer Puck and Dr. Andrea Gropman in leading the RDCRN Steering Committee.
January 21
Cincinnati Children’s to House Food Allergy Biobank and Biomarker Discovery Center
January 21
FARE Announces Key Partnerships in Crusade to Advance Food Allergy Research
January 13
EoE Research Selected as ‘Editor’s Choice’ in JACI
January 6
How Experts at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center are Combatting Allergic Reactions
What is the risk of allergic reaction to COVID-19 vaccines?
Amal H. Assa’ad, MD, comments about assessing allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines.
U.S. Senate Passes FASTER Act, Brings Sesame Labeling One Step Closer for Food Allergy Community
Transferring Allergies in the Womb
Dr. Rothenberg shares his perspective on a recent article about how maternal mast cells are involved in allergy development in this invited Science Perspective.
Asian Children With Food Allergies More Likely to Experience Quality of Life Challenges
MSSRP Poster Award Winners
Susie Min and Rahul Sandella participated in the 10th Annual Research and Service Symposium at UC on Friday, November 6th. We appreciate UC providing a virtual forum for the MSSRP Program poster judging this year. Susie Min won second place for "Molecular Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis from a Single Esophageal Biopsy" with the mentorship of Ting Wen, PhD and Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD. She will represent us at the annual National Student Research Forum (NSRF) in Galveston, TX (April, 2021). Rahul Sandella won third place for "The Effects of Adiposity on Disease and Symptom Severity in Eosinophilic Esophagitis" with the mentorship of Vincent A. Mukkada, MD and Kara Kliewer, RD, PhD.
Anti–Siglec-8 Antibody for Eosinophilic Gastritis and Duodenitis
Patients with eosinophilic gastritis (EG) have limited therapeutic options. The Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders is proud to have been an integral part of an important trial, now published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrating that lirentelimab significantly and safely improves symptoms in subjects with EG while eradicating eosinophils. We are hopeful that the Phase 3 trial, which is now enrolling participants, will ultimately confirm these findings so that there are more clinically approved therapeutic options for individuals with this rare disorder.
Grateful Patient with Eosinophilia Thanks Cincinnati Children’s For Improved Life
Roots of New Drug for HES Trace Back to Cincinnati Children’s
Cincinnati Children's helps pave way for newly approved use of drug
Webinar: Peanut Oral Immunotherapy at Cincinnati Children's
FDA Announces Guidance for Industry entitled “Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Developing Drugs for Treatment.”
This guidance is intended to describe the Agency's current thinking and recommended approach for the development of drugs and therapeutic biologics for the treatment of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.
What it's like to get Palforzia, the first drug to treat peanut allergies in children
Eosinophil responses during COVID-19 infections and coronavirus vaccinations
2020 Virtual Lab Day with the Rothenberg CURED Lab
FDA-Approved Drug Reverses Inflammation in Animal Model of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Progress Update for Eosinophilic Disorder Research
EGIDExpress Tool Helps Accelerate EoE Research
EOS Network - Your Questions Answered by EOS Network Professionals
Unlocking the Secrets of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A New Children’s Book
A preliminary report (not peer-reviewed) - Alpha I Antitrypsin is an Inhibitor of the SARS-CoV2-Priming Protease TMPRSS2
The ABCs of EGIDs - online web-based education module
SECURE-EoE/EGID - Coronavirus and EoE/EGID Reporting Database
Research survey for rare disease patients and their families about impacts of COVID-19
Congratulations to Melissa Mingler, MS, MBA, the Business Manager in the Division of Allergy and Immunology, on her election as Treasurer for the Midwest Section of the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI). Mel currently serves as the Treasurer of the Ohio Chapter of SRAI and is now taking that experience to a higher level to serve the Midwest Section.
Congratulations to Rishi Mehta of the Rothenberg Lab for being selected as a 2020 Barry Goldwater Scholar by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.
Kimberly A. Risma, MD, PhD was elected as Vice Chair of the Program Directors Assembly Executive Committee 2020-2022 and will serve as chair 2022-2024 for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).
RDCRN Spotlight: Patients Power Research in Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders
Cincinnati Children's Patient Story: Nebraska Family Finds Answers & Food Options for Kids with EoE
Cincinnati Children's Patient Story: Three Matching Shirts, Three Matching Diagnoses
RDCRN Spotlight: NIH's Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network Launches New Logo
Congratulations to our colleague Michelle B. Lierl, MD, who was recognized by the Patient & Family Experience (PFE) and Ambulatory teams this quarter for outstanding PFE in the Ambulatory setting. Dr. Lierl has been identified for this recognition based on a review of scores and positive comments that highlights the exceptional feedback she routinely receives from the patients and families she serves. During her February 3rd clinic, she was surprised with the news of this award!
Amal H. Assa’ad, MD speaks in this news video by WLWT5 about the FDA approving a new drug to help children with peanut allergy.
Research Horizons: New Tests May Help Diagnose Rare Subset of Eosinophilic Disorders
Our local colleague Michael G. Sherenian, MD, MS was selected as one of the 2020 AAAAI Foundation Faculty Development Award recipients, which is an honor and recognition of his accomplishments and plans.
Kimberly A. Risma, MD, PhD is making great strides in drug allergy treatment and awareness. Please support awareness of penicillin allergy and its over diagnosis by watching this video and learning more at the recently launched webpages of the Drug Allergy Program at Cincinnati Children's!
Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD was pleased to assist NORD this year in preparation of the Eosinophilic Esophagitis report for the Rare Disease Database!
How to Talk to Party Hosts About Kids' Nut Allergies
Lawmakers Propose Council to Help People With Rare Diseases
5th CURED EGID Research Conference and Patient Education Program and "The CURED" Video
Penicillin Allergy Testing Service set to launch in mid-November
AP-1 activity induced by co-stimulation is rehired for chromatin opening during T cell activation
Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, shares, "I am pleased to share this research from the Barski Lab. This is an important contribution to the field, defining the epigenetic and transcriptional processes involved in T cell memory. This has direct implications in understanding the immunologic basis of a variety of diseases including allergy."
5th CURED Research Conference and Patient Education Program Begins Nov. 7
Efficacy of Dupilumab in Phase 2 Randomized Trial of Adults with Active Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, shares, "These positive data are good news for the patients, as this is a very promising therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). This is also good news for the research field, as these clinical results are based on over a decade of research by the Rothenberg Lab, providing the scientific basis of blocking this pathway in EoE and related eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs)."
Travel Award by Ohio Physiological Society
Rishi Mehta, a student in the Rothenberg Lab, was awarded the AD Instruments Travel Award of the Ohio Physiological Society, which will provide support for him to attend the Experimental Biology 2020 conference. He presented his research in the Rothenberg Lab under the title of "Loss of peptidyl-arginine deiminase 1-mediated citrullination drives esophageal epithelial barrier impairment in allergic inflammation".
Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, shares, "This is exciting news for the eosinophil gastrointestinal community. This early study met the key endpoints and looks promising for the future treatment of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease. Here at Cincinnati Children's, we are pleased to have contributed to the preclinical research, design and implementation of this drug and study."
Dr. Rothenberg received the Paul Ehrlich Lectureship Award
Dr. Rothenberg, the Principal Investigator for the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR), has been awarded the highest honor bestowed by the International Eosinophil Society for his major contributions to the advancement of our understanding of the eosinophil.
Can an Antibody Against IL-13 Be Used to Treat Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
Sandy Durrani, MD, discusses the increase of allergies on local Cincinnati FOX News in an interview arranged the by Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE).
Through a previous collaboration with Knopp, Patricia Fulkerson, MD, PhD and her team employed an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture system to study the ability of dexpramipexole to inhibit the maturation of eosinophil progenitor cells. Looking forward, Dr. Fulkerson and her team will investigate molecular pathways in eosinophil development and attempt to further elucidate the effect of dexpramipexole on those pathways.
Allergy and Immunology Division: Select Research Advances of 2018 Video
Through our sustained commitment to research and clinical excellence for allergic and immunologic conditions, we will continue to change the outcome together. This slideshow highlights notable scientific advances made by The Division of Allergy and Immunology at Cincinnati Children’s in 2018. Our research has advanced the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of many rare and common allergic and immunologic diseases.
Zuckerman Scholar
Netali Morgenstern-Ben Baruch is a 2018/2019 Zuckerman Israeli Postdoctoral Scholar of the Zuckerman Scholars Program and is investigating an inhibitory receptor, ILT-2, to learn about its role in the type 2 inflammatory disease eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD Recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher for 2018
New Drug Could Be Game-changer For Kids With Severe Peanut Allergies
Landmark PALISADE Trial of AR101 Published in New England Journal of Medicine - read the open-access journal article
Anti-IL-13 Phase 2 Trial for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Proyecto EoE y Ausencia de Proteina SPINK7:Entrevista al Investigador Principal - see the October issue (pages 8-9) of the AEDESEO newsletter for an interview with Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD
Thomas J. Fischer Endowed Education Fund
Durrani Spem Facit
Our clinical team members are dedicated to excellence in patient care. For Sandy Durrani, MD, this was recently recognized by a grateful patient family naming a star “Durrani Spem Facit”, which loosely translates from Latin to mean ‘hope maker’. We are so proud of Sandy and all of our stellar team members for changing the outcome together.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Video: What is EoE?
Study Finds Absence of Key Protein, SPINK7, May Drive EoE: Replacement Therapy Reversed Effects in Tissue Experiments
Discovery Could Lead to Personalized Medical Therapies for Emerging New Food Allergy Disorder
Creating a multi-center rare disease consortium - the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers
This is a fantastic summary of the formation of CEGIR, the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers, the first large-scale collaboration between key stakeholders in the field of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, including researchers, patients and the key funding agency, the NIH. CEGIR is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders through innovative research, clinical expertise and education via collaborations between scientists, health care providers, patients, and professional organizations.
Tips for Hosting a Food-Allergy-Friendly Holiday Party
Cincinnati Children's Research Paves Way For Newly Approved Asthma Drug
A Family Journey
The CURED Conference brought together patient families, physicians, and researchers from across the globe to learn from each other. One of the most moving and memorable presentations was a patient perspective from Kara Root, whose story inspires us here at Cincinnati Children’s as well those across the eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder (EGID) community. You can read more about Kara and her family’s journey on her blog.
Celebrating 140 Collective Years of Service of Allergy and Immunology at Cincinnati Children's
The Division of Allergy and Immunology is celebrating a unique year as six division faculty observe their 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-year Cincinnati Children's service anniversaries! Their sustained contributions at multiple levels and their influence on past and future generations put the division in a strong position. Here, they offer insight into the changes they have been part of and where the division is going.
Handy Checklist: Going to College with an Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder
Pushing for Progress in a Rare Eosinophilic Condition: Eosinophilic Gastritis
What's the right time to use an EpiPen?
Amal H. Assa'ad, MD, comments about administering epinephrine auto-injectors for anaphylaxis in this news video.
Family Fights For Formula Coverage Despite it Being Illinois Law
In this NCB Chicago news segment, Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, and professional and family colleagues comment about insurance coverage for medical formulas.
FARE Patient Registry
The FARE Patient Registry launched on May 22, 2017 and is a patient-powered research registry, created with collaboration by FARE’s Medical Advisory Board, members of the Outcomes Research Advisory Board and AltaVoice, a leading registry platform and expert in the field of online protection and privacy.
FDA-approved drug helps treat rare immunologic disease, study finds
The NIH reports on a phase 3 clinical trail that they co-funded and that tested mepolizumab (humanized antibody against IL-5) as an alternative treatment for an eosinophilic syndrome, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA; previously known as Churg-Strauss syndrome).
2017 FARE Research Retreat: Q&A with Dr. Simon Hogan
Simon P. Hogan, PhD, received a FARE Investigator in Food Allergy Award in 2015. With this support, the Hogan Lab is investigating how proteins released at the start of an allergic response can cause blood vessels to leak during life-threatening anaphylaxis. Understanding the chain of chemical events that leads to anaphylactic shock is a key step in devising strategies to prevent severe food allergy symptoms. Hogan presented at the FARE 2017 Research Retreat and explains his work in this Q&A on the FARE blog.
Poster of Distinction, Nutrition Research Day
Mark Rochman, PhD, and Carina Venter, PhD, RN, and their students, Rachel Ernst and Tarah Wagner won the Poster of Distinction at the Nutrition Research Day Poster Session at Cincinnati Children's for their work on peanut protein levels.Ernst and Wagner went on to take first place in the Agriculture / Food Science category at their high school's capstone competition on April 28.
K08 Award
Andrew W. Lindsley, MD, PhD, was awarded a K08 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This NIH clinical scientist career development award will support the Lindsley Lab in investigating how the sphingolipid ORMDL3 regulates dendritic cells in asthma.
NIH R01 and DHC Awards
Patricia C. Fulkerson, MD, PhD, was awarded an R01 from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This R01 will support the Fulkerson Lab in investigating the role of the transcription factor Aiolos in eosinophilic asthma. Learn more about her research in the Fulkerson Lab.
2017 AAAAI Annual Meeting Awards
For the 2017 American Academy of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting, our Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati College of Medicine colleagues presented over 50 presentations, which is an impressive number. This underscores the collective impact that Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is having in our field. Dr. Justin Wheeler was the recipient for the award for the 2017 AAAAI/APFED Best Oral Abstract on eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases by a fellow-in-training. Amnah Yamani, a predoctoral student in the Hogan Lab, was selected to be in the featured poster session. Amal H. Assa’ad, MD, was selected to give the first Leonard Bernstein Lectureship. This lectureship was established in memory of our legendary Dr. Leonard Bernstein, who was a pioneer in the allergy field, founder of the allergy discipline in Cincinnati and a wonderful mentor and contributor to our program. The lectureship was sponsored by donations from the Bernstein Family and Dr. Bernstein’s past trainees and colleagues.
FADDA Interest Section
Amal H. Assa’ad, MD, was elected by her peers to serve as the Secretary of the AAAAI’s Food allergy, anaphylaxis, dermatology and drug Allergy (FADDA) Interest Section from March 5, 2017 until March 2019. After the 2019 AAAAI Annual Meeting and until the 2021 Annual Meeting, she will serve in the role as the Vice Chair of the interest section, and then from 2021 until 2023, she will serve in the role of Chair of FADDA.
Clinical Care Award
Michelle B. Lierl, MD, was selected by The Faculty Awards Committee at Cincinnati Children's for the Clinical Care Award. This is a well-deserved honor for Dr. Lierl, who is now in her 30th anniversary year at Cincinnati Children's. In addition to her great clinical service, Dr. Lierl researches fungal allergens in the Lierl Lab and has created a fungal spore photo website.
2016 Division Research Advances Video
We invite you to watch a short video detailing a few of the Division of Allergy and Immunology’s Research Advances of 2016. Through our sustained commitment to research and clinical excellence for allergic and immunologic conditions, we will continue to change the outcome together.
CURED Foundation donates for Eosinophilic Disorder Treatment and Research
The Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease (CURED), a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to those suffering from eosinophilic disorders, has donated $200,000 to the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED), based at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The CURED Foundation works extensively in supporting families and raising funds for research. One-hundred percent of funds raised by the CURED Foundation go to research for eosinophilic disorders. To date, CURED has contributed over 4 million dollars to research.
2017 NIAID Addendum Guidelines for Preventing Peanut Allergy
In 2015, findings from a landmark NIAID-funded clinical trial called the Learning Early About Peanut (LEAP) study showed that introducing peanut-containing foods to infants at high risk for developing peanut allergy was safe and led to an 81% relative reduction in the subsequent development of peanut allergy. Due to the strength of these results, NIAID established a coordinating committee that convened an expert panel to update the 2010 Guidelines to specifically address the prevention of peanut allergy. Amal H. Assa'ad, MD, and Carina Venter, PhD, RD, contributed to the Addendum Guidelines for the Prevention of Peanut Allergy in the United States that were published in the January 2017 issue of Annals of Allergy and Immunology, along with a guest editorial by Amal H. Assa'ad, MD.
2017 AAAAI Distinguished Service Award
Well-deserved congratulations go to Kimberly A. Risma, MD, PhD, for being selected for the 2017 Distinguished Service Award of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology (AAAAI) for her leadership with the Chrysalis Project. The Chrysalis Project is a program for medical students and internal medicine and/or pediatric residents that provides them the opportunity to explore a career in allergy/immunology. It is housed within the AAAAI Annual Meeting and includes pairing the Chrysalis mentee with a fellow-in-training mentor, didactic lectures with allergy/immunology faculty, career option presentations, and free conference registration and access to the leading knowledge in the hundreds of AAAAI meeting sessions, workshops, symposia, seminars, and oral abstracts. Dr. Risma has helped to propel this program to become a jewel of our society and is thus greatly impacting our field and its future. Through her efforts, she has established a ‘pipeline’ of strong physicians in our field. In 2010, Dr. Risma was nominated by the Board of AAAAI to assume the co-Chair position of the Chrysalis Program Project after a pause in the program’s funding. She has subsequently worked tirelessly on the Chrysalis Project with current AAAAI president, Dr. Tom Fleisher between 2010-15 and former AAAAI president, Dr. Wesley Burks in 2015-17. Under her leadership, the program has expanded from 20 to 50 attendees per year. The Chrysalis Project has been extraordinarily well received as is evident from the growing number of highly qualified applicants and attendees, the positive reviews, and the growing number of fellowship applicants who credit the Chrysalis Project.
Cincinnati Children’s was recently issued US Patent 9517238 B2 for the work of the inventors Marc E. Rothenberg and Mark Rochman. The invention provides methods of treating allergic inflammatory conditions using an anti-neurotrophin tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (NTRK1)-based therapeutic agent and related compositions and methods. The underlying research for this patent was conducted in the Rothenberg Lab.
Hosting a Food-Allergy-Friendly Holiday Party
FARE Joins with National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in Call for Sweeping Changes to Improve Health, Quality of Life of Individuals With Food Allergies
We would like to mention that this vital work was made possible by so many contributors, including our colleague Carina Venter, PhD, RD, who served as a reviewer and contributor to this 500-page report on food allergy.
Trustee Grant Award
Ting Wen, PhD, was awarded a Trustee Grant Award by Cincinnati Children’s to support his research.
Allergy Guideline Updating Efforts
We are proud of all the dedicated efforts made to move the guidelines for allergen introduction forward. Our colleague Amal H. Assa’ad, MD, comments in this NPR update, and our colleague Carina Venter, PhD, RD, is involved as a member of the scientific panel who are updating the guidelines that will be published in January on the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) website. Listen to or read the NPR segment (by Patti Neighmond). Read the Reuter's article (by Rob Goodier). Read Dr. Venter's JACI editorial about the LEAP study findings about early allergen consumption.
5 Tips for Packing a Well-Rounded Nut-free Lunch
LEAP Study Editorial
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has included the LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut) nutrition study for its readership. Our colleague Carina Venter, PhD, RD, co-authored an editorial about the study findings about early allergen consumption.
CURED Foundation Donates for Eosinophilic Disorder Treatment and Research
The Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease (CURED), a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to those suffering from eosinophilic disorders, has donated $100,000 to the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED), based at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The CURED Foundation works extensively in supporting families and raising funds for research. One-hundred percent of funds raised by the CURED Foundation go to research for eosinophilic disorders. To date, CURED has contributed over 4 million dollars to research.
UC Summer Research Prepares Students for STEMM Careers
Two hundred college and high school students from the across the country participated in the 2016 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Capstone Poster Sessions sponsored by several programs at the UC College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as part of the SURF initiative, designed to provide rich research internship experiences for college students and high school seniors. All student winners were recognized during an awards ceremony. Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, Director of both the Division of Allergy and Immunology and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s, gave the ceremony’s keynote speech. At its conclusion, he eulogized Olivia Erhardt, a 2015 SURF participant and Columbia University student who performed summer research in his laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s. Erhardt tragically lost her life in a bus accident during a medical mission trip to Honduras in January 2016.
Infants and Solid Food, an Introductory Course. Carina Venter, PhD, RD, a research associate and dietician at Cincinnati Children's, discusses the transition from formula to solid food in infancy while navigating potential food allergies.
AAAAI Foundation & Dr. Donald Y.M. Leung/JACI Editors Faculty Development Award
Andrew W. Lindsley, MD, PhD, was interviewed about his recent award, the AAAAI Foundation and Dr. Donald Y.M. Leung/JACI Editors Faculty Development Award for his project investigating how ORMDL3 enhances macrophage function in asthma pathogenesis.
Darrel E. Goll Award for Scholarly Publication
Our collaborator, Leah C. Kottyan, PhD, received the Darrel E. Goll Award at the FASEB Biology of Calpains in Health and Disease Conference. This award recognizes the most outstanding publication in the field of calpains in the past three years, and we are proud for members of the Rothenberg Lab to have contributed to this outstanding work over the years. Their recent calpain publications include explore the tissue specificity and contribution of calpain 14 in eosinophilic esophagitis.
Angela Parker, an administrative assistant in our division, accepted the leadership position of Communications Manager with the African American Professional Advisory Committee (AAPAC) here at Cincinnati Children’s. There are currently over 300 members in the group. In this role, she is responsible for sending out information regarding community outreach, lunch and learns, tutoring opportunities and other events.
Marc Rothenberg Receives First Bunning Chair
Cincinnati Children's honored Denise and Dave Bunning for their contributions to the Division of Allergy and Immunology. Cincinnati Children's decided to use this endowment to establish a Chair in Allergy/Immunology that will bear Dave and Denise’s name. Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, will be the first incumbent of this Chair.
Scientists Identify Potential Marker of EoE Disease Activity. Patricia C. Fulkerson, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Allergy and Immunology and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s, led recent, preliminary research suggesting that eosinophil progenitors in the blood may be a potential marker for disease activity of eosinophilic esophagitis in children. Learn more about her research in the Fulkerson Lab.
Learning to Eat: The Importance of Texture and Food Variety. Carina Venter, PhD, RD, a research associate and dietician at Cincinnati Children's, and Kate Maslin, PhD, RD, an international collaborator, discuss the important of texture and food variety while learning to eat and its potentially life-long effect on food preferences.
Using Cloud Technology in Rare Disease Research: Interview with CEGIR Principal Investigator
NIH Study Finds Protein May Be Responsible for Damage in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
When You're Allergic to Almost Every Food
First-Place DHC Poster
Jeffrey Rymer, predoctoral fellow in the Rothenberg Lab, won the first prize for his poster at the 2016 Annual Scientific Symposium by the Digestive Health Center.
EoGenius Diagnostic Test for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Miraca Life Sciences now offers the EoGenius test, an RNA expression test, designed to help diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). This test is founded in research led by Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, and Ting Wen, PhD.
Our Division Director, Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, was recognized for his dedicated efforts with a Research Achievement Award in the Fifth Annual Faculty Awards by Cincinnati Children's. To see Dr. Rothenberg receive the Research Achievement Award, view the Faculty Awards Presentation Video beginning at time point 00:39:05. Learn more about his research in the Rothenberg Lab.
Jared Travers, an MD, PhD, predoctoral fellow in the Rothenberg Lab, was awarded a fellowship grant to study the role of nuclear IL-33 in mucosal inflammation by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Learn more about his research in the Rothenberg Lab.
Improved Scoring System for the Food Allergic Disease Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children
Researchers have developed and validated a histologic scoring system to objectively analyze pathologic features of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a severe, often painful food allergy that renders children unable to eat a wide variety of foods. This study was led by researchers in the Division of Allergy and Immunology and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
TOP DOCTOR 2016 List
In Cincinnati magazine, Michelle B. Lierl, MD, and Kimberly A. Risma, MD, PhD, were named in the TOP DOCTOR 2016 list for Allergy and Immunology subspecialty.
Research Innovation Program Award
Simon P. Hogan, PhD, was awarded funding from the Cincinnati Children's Research Innovation/Pilot Funding Program in 2016. This program will support the Hogan Lab in investigating the involvement of antibiotics in antigen sensitization in food allergy. Learn more about his research in the Hogan Lab.
Eosinophil Researcher Honored as Schmidlapp Woman Scholar
Patricia C. Fulkerson, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Allergy and Immunology and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s, has been selected as a 2015 Schmidlapp Woman Scholar by the the Fifth Third Bank / Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Women Scholars Program. Learn more about her research in the Fulkerson Lab.
Cincinnati Golfers for Charity
Thank you to the Cincinnati Golfers for Charity for supporting our clinical and research efforts in the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders.
The Untold Story of a New Asthma Drug
The FDA approved the drug mepolizumab on November 4th to help treat severe asthma, which was an achievement grounded in many years of research and testing by innumerable physicians and scientists, including those at Cincinnati Children's, such as Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD. Learn more about his research in the Rothenberg Lab.
Noah Kennedy: Colerain Football's Mightiest Team Member
Department of Defense Award
Yui-Hsi Wang, PhD was awarded a FY14 Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award from the United States Department of Defense for his project "IL-9-Producing Mast Cell Precursors and Food Allergy".
DP2 Award
Artem Barski, PhD, was awarded a DP2 Award by the National Institutes of Health for his project "Direct Epigenetic Reprogramming of T Cells". Learn more about his research in the Barski Lab.
New Cell Type May Help Explain Why Some People Have Dangerous Food Allergies
Yui-Hsi Wang, PhD, and his colleagues report their discovery of a new cell type that appears to drive life-threatening food allergies and may help explain why some people get severe allergic reactions and others do not.
NIAID R01
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, was awarded an R01 by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for his project "Genetic and Immunological Dissection of Eosinophilic Esophagitis". Learn more about his research in the Rothenberg Lab.
Most Outstanding Translational Research Achievement between 2010-2015
At the faculty "State of the Union" address, Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, was recognized with the "Most Outstanding Translational Research Achievement between 2010-2015" for his work towards the Nature Genetics publication,"Genome-wide association analysis of eosinophilic esophagitis provides insight into the tissue specificity of this allergic disease” published in Nat Genet. 2014 Aug;46(8):895-900." Learn more about his research in the Rothenberg Lab.
EoE in Evolution: The Search Continues for Better Treatments and Diagnostics
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, director of the division and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders comments in this article about the search for better treatment and diagnostics for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Learn more about his research in the Rothenberg Lab.
Trustee Award
Artem Barski, PhD, was awarded a Trustee Award by Cincinnati Children's for his project "Epigenetic Suppression of IL4 Expression in T Cells". Learn more about his research in the Barski Lab.
Cincinnati Children's becomes Center of Excellence and an inaugural member of the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Clinical Network.
Digestive Health Center Pilot and Feasibility Award
Ting Wen, PhD, was awarded a Digestive Health Center Pilot and Feasibility Award for his project "Analysis and Function of Esophageal Lymphocytes in Eosinophilic Esophagitis".
NIAID Award
Divisional collaborators Simon P. Hogan, PhD, and Yui-Hsi Wang, PhD, and national collaborator Rodney Newberry, MD, (Washington University in St. Louis) were awarded a multi-principal investigator R01 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for their project "Food Allergy and Goblet Cell Antigen Passages". Learn more about research in the Hogan Lab.
CURED Foundation Donates $100,000 For Eosinophilic Disorder Treatment and Research
AAI Careers in Immunology Fellowship
Artem Barski, PhD, and Masahi Yukawa were awarded a Careers in Immunology Fellowship award by the American Association of Immunologists (AAI). Learn more about their research in the Barski Lab.
Cincinnati Children's Moms Expand Camp for Kids with Eosinophilic Disorders
Integrating Grantseeking and Fundraising
Division Business Director, Kevin Titus, MBA, was recently asked for his perspective on the important of integrated strategic planning for the white paper Integrating Grantseeking into Hospital Foundation Fundraising Plans published by Hanover Research.
APFED HOPE Pilot Grant
Ting Wen, PhD, was awarded a 2015 APFED HOPE Pilot Grant for his project "Defining Esophageal Lymphocyte Phenotype and Function in Eosinophilic Esophagitis" from the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED). This award is designed to support the initiation of research that will be the basis of a larger research project within the subspecialty of eosinophilic disorders.
Cincinnati Children's T1 Innovative Core Grant
Artem Barski, PhD, and Andrey V. Kartashov, MS, were awarded a T1 Innovative Core Grant by Cincinnati Children's for the Wardrobe Server. Wardrobe is a software package for storing and analyzing chromatin immunoprecipiation sequencing, RNA sequencing, and similar datasets. It was collaboratively generated by Barski and Kartashov. Learn more about their research in the Barski Lab.
FARE Award
Simon P. Hogan, PhD, was awarded a 2015 FARE Investigator in Food Allergy Award. This Mid-Career Investigator Award from Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) will support Hogan in identifying the key proteins and cells that cause the blood vessel fluid leak leading to severe anaphylaxis triggered by foods. Learn more about his research in the Hogan Lab.
First-Place Graduate Student Research Forum Poster
Congratulations to Rothenberg Lab member and predoctoral fellow Rahul D'Mello for winning First Place at the 2015 Graduate Student Research Forum poster competition at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
ASCI Young Physician-Scientist Award
Patricia C. Fulkerson, MD, PhD, was awarded a 2015 Young Physician-Scientist Award by the American Society for Clinical Investigation. The ASCI Council Young Physician-Scientist Awards recognize early-stage physician-scientists who are early in their first faculty appointment and have made notable achievements in their research. This award provides an honorarium for her to present her research at the ASCI/ American Association of Physicians (AAP) Joint Meeting. Learn more about her research in the Fulkerson Lab.
First-Place DHC Poster
Nurit Azouz, PhD, a research fellow in the Rothenberg Lab, won the first prize for her poster at the 2015 Annual Scientific Symposium by the Digestive Health Center.
New Patient Contact Registry for Rare Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases
To coincide with Rare Disease Day® 2015, the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR) launched a patient contact registry for individuals with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGID), a group of rare diseases. Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, is the principal investigator of the National Institutes of Health grant that funds the CEGIR (U54 AI117804).
MicroRNA Potential Biomarker for Esophagitis
Faculty member Ting Wen, PhD, recently commented in an article discussing microRNA as potential biomarkers for esophagitis.
Mentoring Achievement Award
Our division's Director of Research, Simon P. Hogan, PhD, was recognized for his dedicated efforts with the Mentoring Achievement Award in the Fourth Annual Faculty Awards by Cincinnati Children's.
Patricia C. Fulkerson, MD, PhD, was awarded a Trustee Award by the Trustee Award & Procter Scholar (TAPS) Program at Cincinnati Children's for her project "Role of Helios and Aiolos in Eosinophil Development". Learn more about her research in the Fulkerson Lab.
Carina Venter Joins Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders
Carina Venter, PhD, RD, will be joining the Division of Allergy and Immunology and Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED) team at Cincinnati Children's as a research associate in February 2015. Dr. Venter is a dietician who was trained in South Africa and completed her postdoctoral studies in food hypersensitivity in the United Kingdom. Her notable accomplishments are many, including being the first and only dietician ever to be invited to act on many of the Advisory Panels for the Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom. She comes to us from the University of Portsmouth and Isle of Wight, where she serves academically and clinically as a Senior Lecturer and Specialist Allergy Dietitian. Her research endeavors have received funding from the National Institute for Health Research (U.K.) and industry (Danone, Nutricia). In just the past 5 years (2010-2014), Dr. Venter has authored 25 peer-reviewed publications and three book chapters and supervised 14 post-graduate students (nine MSc and five PhD). Dr. Venter will be a great asset to the division and CCED team, clinic, research, and patients.
Cincinnati Children’s Receives NIH Grant To Lead Multicenter Consortium on Eosinophilic Disorders
Environment Plays Bigger Role than Genetics in Food Allergic Disease Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Advancing the Understanding of an Understudied Food Allergy Disorder -- Eosinophilic Gastritis
Division Contributes to Peanut Desensitization Study
Our division and center has been on of the top enrolling centers in the multi-center peanut desensitization study using the Viaskin patch. This important clinical research could not have been accomplished without the dedicated efforts and expertise of our clinical research team, led by Amal H. Assa'ad, MD, and the support of the division and the individuals and families who entered the study. DBV technologies, the sponsor of the study, announced in a press release that the primary endpoint for this phase IIb clinical trial has been met.
First Prize Poster
Congratulations to faculty member Ting Wen, PhD, on winning the first prize poster at the 2014 Ohio River Valley Cytometry Association meeting.
New Study Aims for Quick Suppression of Food Allergies
Studies Show Promise for Treating Troublesome Food Allergy
High-dose Fluticasone Effective Against Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Study Finds Cause of Mysterious Food Allergy, Suggests New Treatment Strategy
Ohio and Israel Sign Joint R&D Agreement
Frank G. Brooks Award
Michael Stephens, an undergraduate researcher in the Fulkerson Lab, presented at the annual, regional meeting of the Northeast-4 district (the states of KY, OH, and MI) of the National Biological Honors Society and won the Frank G. Brooks award for ranking first place in podium presentations. He was presented with a plaque and certificate and provided funds for him to present at the national conference this year. Michael is pictured below with Dr. Eugene Burns, who is the chair of the district.
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Award
Simon P. Hogan, PhD, and Artem Barski, PhD, are co-investigators with Lee A. Denson, PhD, and Yael Haberman Ziv, MD, on their joint Senior Research Award entitled, "Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-like receptor B3 in Innate Colonic Inflammation in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis." This Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) award represents the successful collaboration between Cincinnati Children's Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center and the Divisions of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and of Allergy and Immunology.
Safety Star Award
The Division of Allergy and Immunology was recognized with a Cincinnati Children's Safety Star Award for their commitment and implementation of good safety practices. Pictured below are a few members of the division with our award notice.
National Student Research Forum Awards
Abby Stein, a medical student researcher in the Fulkerson Lab, and Patrick McWeeney, a medical student researcher in the Hogan Lab, won awards at the 55th Annual National Student Research Forum (University of Texas, Medical Branch campus, Galveston, Texas). Abby’s presentation of eosinophil progenitors in experimental asthma won the best poster presentation in the Immunology category, and Patrick’s presentation won the best poster presentation in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology section. These two medical student researchers were part of Cincinnati Children's Summer Medical Student Respiratory Research Fellowship (SMURRF) program and represented Cincinnati Children’s, the University of Cincinnati and our division well.
Digestive Health Center Pilot and Feasibility Awards
Joseph D. Sherrill, PhD, was awarded a Digestive Health Center Pilot and Feasibility Award for his project “Characterization of the Antimicrobial Peptide RNase 7 in Eosinophilic Esophagitis”. Additionally, Simon P. Hogan, PhD, is a co-investigator on another awarded Digestive Health Center Pilot and Feasibility Award for the project “Star-related Lipid Transfer (StarD7) in Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function and Food Sensitization”.
Digestive Health Center Research Symposium Award
Julie Caldwell, a research associate in the Rothenberg Lab, won first for posters at the Digestive Health Center Research Symposium for her project “CDH26: a Functional Integrin-Binding Cadherin Involve in Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders”.
ARTrust Grant
Congratulations to Dave Morris, a clinical fellow in the Fulkerson Lab, who was awarded a 2014 ARTrust grant entitled “Characterization of eosinophil progenitors (EoPs) in the peripheral blood of pediatric patients with active eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)”. He is pictured below with Linda Cox, the President of AAAAI, and Dennis Ledford, the past President of AAAAI.
Cincinnati Children’s Blog
Amal H. Assa’ad, MD, Associate Director and Clinical Director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology, was featured in the Cincinnati Children’s Blog with her post “Food Allergy vs. Intolerance: What’s the Difference”.
Physician-Scientist Training
Rahul D’Mello, a MD, PhD, student in the Rothenberg Lab, speaks about his experiences in a University of Cincinnati College of Medicine article (pages 19-21) about shaping the next generation of physician-scientists.
Discovery of Impaired Barrier Function in Eosinophilic Esophagitis (PDF)
CURED Foundation Donates $157,000 for Eosinophilic Disorder Treatment and Research (PDF)
Division Director at Cincinnati Children's Elected AAAS Fellow (PDF)
Second Annual CURED Patient Research Conference
The second annual CURED Patient Research Conference was a huge success. There were about 235 in attendance on Friday, and 160 on Saturday. There were 26 states represented and three countries. The attendees heard from the leading experts around the world, including our very own experts from Cincinnati Children's and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders. CURED support helps further our mission to find a cure for eosinophilic disorders.
Discovery by Israeli and American Researchers May Lead to New Treatments for Allergic Diseases (PDF)
Congratulations to Ting Wen, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Rothenberg Lab for winning the second-place prize at the third annual Ohio River Valley Cytometry Association's Imaging and Cytometry Research Day.
Pediatric Immunologists' Drive Efforts for SCID Screening for Newborns (PDF)
Interview with the Authors: Mechanism of Siglec-8-Mediated Cell Death
Epinephrine: It's Still Our Fail Safe
Despite Shots, Peanut Allergy Kills Teen
New Leadership for Division Research
Simon P. Hogan, PhD was recently appointed as the Director of Research of the Division of Allergy/Immunology. He joins the Division Director, Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, and Amal H. Assa'ad, MD, the Associate Division Director, in leading the division in its mission to improve the health of children with allergic and immune conditions through innovative research, outstanding clinical care and education of the current and next generation of leaders in healthcare and research. In this new role, Hogan will strengthen the guidance available to division researchers with his hands-on approach and will be an advocate for process improvements that facilitate quality research.
A Patch to Treat Peanut Allergies in Works
Faculty Do Not Support Claim that Eosinophilic Disorders are Related to GMO Corn
A recent article in Elle magazine has speculated that GMO (genetically modified organism) corn can promote eosinophil-related diseases. There are statements in this article that are scientifically inaccurate in our opinion. The magazine article describes the presence of eosinophils in a nasal swab. This finding by itself is not indicative of an eosinophilic disorder. The presence of eosinophils in a nasal swab specimen is a common finding in patients with hay fever (allergic rhinitis), a disease process that has been well established to be caused by respiratory allergies. Further, it is our expert opinion that there is not sufficient knowledge or scientific foundation to warrant the claim in this article that eosinophilic disorders arise from GMO corn.
This statement is released by all of the Cincinnati Children's faculty mentioned in the article.
Marc E. Rothenberg MD, PhD; Amal H. Assa'ad, MD; Simon P. Hogan, PhD; Karl von Tiehl, MD
A recent research study extends our prior findings about connective tissue disorders and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (Abonia et al.) and provides further rationale for our current Losartan trial.
A Bad Alliance: Rare Immune Cells Promote Food-Induced Allergic Inflammation in the Esophagus.
The Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders' research is opening up new avenues for research by others, as evidenced by this recent Nature Medicine publication by Noti et al. being founded in our work.
Rigorous MSTP Program Teaches Both Sides of Research/Clinical Equation
Read about the MSTP Program and how Rahul D'Mello, part of the University of Cincinnati's MSTP program, is currently completing his PhD in the lab of our division's director, Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD.
2013 Rome Foundation Research Award
A postdoctoral research fellow alumni of the Rothenberg Lab, Maria Vicario Perez, PhD, received a Rome Foundation Research Award for 2013.
Mother and Son Plan to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for a Cause
Read about a mother an son who will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to help raise awareness and find a cure for eosinophilic esophagitis.
In recognition of her dedication in advancing the specialty by her work in food allergy and science, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & immunology (ACAAI) unanimously voted Amal H. Assa'ad, MD to receive the ACAAI Woman in Allergy award for 2013.
Amal H. Assa'ad, MD comments in a news article and video regarding a research study of how cleaning a child's pacifier by mouth (spit) may reduce the child's risk of allergies.
Patricia Fulkerson Receives 2013 ARTrust Faculty Development Award Medical School Faculty
Patricia C. Fulkerson, MD, PhD was awarded a 2013 ARTrustTM Faculty Development Award by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). This funding supports her research investigating the regulation of eosinophil progenitors by Toll-like receptors.
UC Students Go Bald for Cancer Research
One of our graduate students, Rahul D'Mello, helped raise funds for childhood cancer research with other students at the University of Cincinnati by having his head shaved during the annual St. Baldrick's Day celebration.
Vincent A. Mukkada, MD, has joined the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED) at Cincinnati Children’s as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. As a physician for the CCED, Mukkada will provide clinical diagnosis and care for children with eosinophilic disorders.
2013 HOPE Pilot Research Grants
The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is proud to support two HOPE Pilot research grants in 2013, one of which was awarded to Yui-Hsi, Wang, PhD. His research proposal will test the hypothesis that the cytokine IL-25 activates a particular population of lymphoid cells, the resident ILC2 population, to induce eosinophil accumulation. This work will help in the understanding of what drives eosinophil accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Eleanor Garrow Joins Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders
Eleanor Garrow has joined the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED) at Cincinnati Children’s as senior specialist for program management. In this role, Garrow will direct implementation of strategic planning; guide the team by developing processes to drive clinical, quality and research improvements; and work with individuals, families and public groups to increase support and awareness of eosinophilic disorders.
Our division's director Marc E. Rothenberg, MD, PhD, and fellowship program director Kimberly A. Risma, MD, PhD, were named among Cincy Magazine's list of Best Doctors for 2013.
Leading Food Allergy Organizations Announce Completion of Merger and Introduce New Name
Read about the merger of the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) and Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) into FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education).
Frank Sasinowski, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for NORD, mentions his work and Keynote Speech at the CURED EGID Research Symposium in the FDA Law Blog.
CURED (Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease) EGID (Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder) Research Symposium
Children's director is Red Cross hero
Read more about the work of our division's business director, Kevin Titus, as he answer questions about his important work as a Red Cross public affairs manager.
CURED Foundation Makes Generous Donation of $150,000 to the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders Research Efforts. This brings the total amount of money donated to the Center by CURED to $2,114,000 in the past 10 years.
Santa Jeremy Ono Named President of the University of Cincinnati
The Board of Trustees of the University of Cincinnati voted unanimously to appoint Santa Ono, PhD, as President of the University of Cincinnati. Ono had been appointed Interim President at the University of Cincinnati in August 2012, following the resignation of Gregory H. Williams. Ono first arrived at the University of Cincinnati in 2010, serving two years as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. As provost, he led the development of an academic master plan aligned to the university’s strategic plan, “UC2019: Accelerating Our Transformation.” The academic master plan, unveiled in May 2012, included an initial investment of about $10 million toward long-term strategic goals set for completion in the University of Cincinnati's bicentennial year of 2019. President Ono is one of a handful of university presidents in the nation who have fully embraced social media and has more than 6,700 followers of his Twitter feed: @PrezOno.
At Cincinnati Children's Recognition Dinner, honoring employees with 10- to 50-year service anniversaries, Amal H. Assa'ad, MD, and from our division were honored for their 20 years and 35 years, respectively, of dedicated service at Cincinnati Children's.
Springdale boy shows super strength, spirit
Read about Jordan Scott and the Eosinophilic Avengers who walked on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Cincinnati Walks for Kids.
Amal H. Assa'ad, MD, having led the Allergy/Immunology Fellowship Program as Fellowship Director for 17 years with dedication and excellence, has passed this role onto Kimberly A. Risma, MD, PhD. We look forward to Amal H. Assa'ad's continued involvement in teaching our future allergists in this combined pediatric and adult fellowship program (via partnership with the University of Cincinnati) as this program is an integral part of our division's mission to improve the health of children with allergic and immune conditions through innovative research, outstanding clinical care, and education of the current and next generation of leaders in healthcare and research.
CCED and CEFC Annual Interactive Eosinophilic Research Lab Day
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, and other pediatrics researchers in his lab and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED) hosted their annual interactive eosinophilic research interactive lab day in collaboration with the Cincinnati Eosinophilic Family Coalition (CEFC).
Clinical Director elected to the AAAAI Board of Directors
Our division's clinical director, Amal H. Assa'ad, MD, was elected to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI)'s Board of Directors.
CURED Foundation Makes Generous Donation of $150,000 to Support Eosinophilic Research.
For Teen With Eosinophils of the Esophagus, Food Is Forbidden
In this news article, Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, comments on how dietary restrictions can be disabling and that people with eosinophilic disorders have been shown to have the lowest quality of life as compared to a variety of other pediatric chronic diseases.
Researchers Evaluate Dietary Regimens of Allergic Disease
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, and other pediatrics researchers in the Division of Allergy and Immunology have taken a critical step in improving patient care by evaluating the comparative effectiveness of current dietary therapies (elemental diet, six-food elimination diet, skin test-directed elimination diet) and the utility of skin test-directed diets in food reintroductions for eosinophilic esophagitis. The study found that while all three of the evaluated dietary therapies are effective in decreasing activity of the disease, the elemental diet is superior and using skin testing to direct diets was not helpful compared with empiric removal of certain ‘high risk’ foods.
Israel's Top 10 Advances in Asthma
In this news article, Ariel Munitz, PhD, is mentioned for his recent research collaborative efforts in designing a small antibody fragment that may be able to target the cause of asthma and allergies by targeting a receptor protein on the surface of mast cells.
How Do You Tell the Difference Between Seasonal Allergies and a Cold?
In this news article, Michelle B. Lierl, MD, comments on how to distinguish between allergies and the common cold, which is important for getting proper treatment.
Researchers Identify New Regulator in Allergic Diseases
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, and other pediatrics researchers in the Division of Allergy and Immunology have taken a critical step in understanding how allergic reactions occur after identifying a genetic signature for regulation of a key immune hormone, interleukin 13 (IL-13). The study identifies that microRNA 375 is regulated by IL-13, and in turn regulates how IL-13 induces pro-allergic changes, particularly in epithelial cells in the lung and esophagus. The data support a role for microRNA 375 in asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis.
Passing of Our Friend and Mentor Dr. Leonard I. Bernstein
Our friend, mentor, and beloved colleague. Dr. Leonard Bernstein, a pioneer in the Allergy/Immunology field and founder of Allergy/Immunology in Cincinnati passed away at age 88, on March 26, 2012. Dr. Bersnstein was the beloved husband of Miriam G. Bernstein, devoted father of Dr. David (Cheryl) Bernstein, Dr. Susan (Howard Ain) Bernstein, Dr. Jonathan (Lisa) Bernstein & the late Ellen B. Ganson (Michael Ganson), dear brother of the late Leah Geber, loving grandfather of Daniel (Jaime Aronson) & William Bernstein, Aaron, Joel (Alyce Baier), Rachel & Marisa Ellison, Jason & Andrew (Emily Sanchez) Ain, Adam, Sarah & Philip Ganson & Alison, Joshua, Rebecca & Caren Bernstein.
With the passing of Dr. I. Leonard Bernstein, his family, the University of Cincinnati, the city of Cincinnati and the field of Allergy and Immunology have lost a great father, friend and a mentor.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Ellen B. Ganson Fund c/o Rockwern Academy, 8401 Montgomery Rd., Cinti, OH 45236 or the Bernstein Endowment Fund for Allergy Research & Education at the U.C. Foundation, P.O. Box 670544, Cinti, OH 45321.
Genetic Marker for Painful Food Allergy Points to Improved Diagnosis, Treatment
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, and other pediatrics researchers in the Division of Allergy and Immunology have identified a genetic signature for a severe, often painful food allergy – eosinophilic esophagitis – that could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for children unable to eat a wide variety of foods. The researchers found that EoE was associated with 32 differentially regulated microRNAs and distinguishable from the non-eosinophilic forms of esophagitis (such as reflux disease). Esophageal eosinophil levels correlated significantly with expression of the most increased microRNAs, miR-21 and miR-223, and most decreased, miR-375. MiR-223 was also one of the most increased microRNAs in the plasma, along with miR-146a and miR-146b. Notably, the expression of microRNAs dysregulated in patients with active EoE was normalized in patients with EoE who responded to steroid treatment. This suggests a significantly specific microRNA signature for disease activity points to its promise for use as a biomarker for EoE.
Asthma Worse for Children in Single-Parent Homes
Terri Moncrief, MD, faculty member of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Cincinnati Children’s, was the lead author of this study, which found that children from single-parent homes admitted to the hospital for asthma or wheezing are 50 percent more likely to return to the hospital within a year than children from two-parent homes.
Keynote Presentation at Upcoming Allergy Drug Discovery and Development Conference
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, Director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, will be giving a keynote presentation entitled “Breakthroughs in understanding the pathogenesis of the new allergic disease eosinophilic esophagitis and implications for drug development,” at the Allergy Drug Discovery and Development Conference to be held on January 30-31, 2012 in San Diego, CA by GTC.
CURED Foundation Continues Support of Eosinophilic Research
The CURED Foundation (Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease) has pledged another $100,000 to help fund groundbreaking research at Cincinnati Children’s. The gift was made possible by the Vivint Gives Back Project, which hosted a Facebook-based competition among nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada. The CURED Foundation won a $100,000 prize after receiving the most online votes in their region.
Mepolizumab Appears Beneficial in Children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This news article discusses the promising results of the recently reported clinical trial of the anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody mepolizumab, which was conducted by Amal H. Assa’ad, MD, and colleagues and based on prior pre-clinical and proof-of-concept studies previously conducted by divisional faculty.
Smithfield Girl Undergoing Treatment for Rare Disease
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, comments on eosinophilic esophagitis as a growing medical problem in this article about a little girl with eosinophilic esophagitis who travels to the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders for treatment.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Updated Consensus Recommendations For Children and Adults
The first consensus recommendations for eosinophilic esophagitis were derived from the first symposium held by The International Gastrointestinal Eosinophil Researchers (TIGER), which was comprised of several members of the CCED faculty. These guidelines were published in 2007 as Eosinophilic esophagitis in children and adults: a systematic review and consensus recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.
These original consensus guidelines for eosinophilic esophagitis were reviewed and updated in 2011 and published as Eosinophilic esophagitis: updated consensus recommendations for children and adults, with members of the division faculty contributing in this endeavor.
Immunobiology Award Recipient
Amanda Beichler, a predoctoral candidate in our division, was awarded first prize for the most outstanding poster in the competition held at Cincinnati Children’s Immunobiology Graduate Program Retreat. Her work was titled “Myeloid RelA/p65 and STAT-6 regulation ofCCL11 and eosinophilic inflammation in colitis.
MTV Series True Life: I’m Allergic to Everything
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, appears in the MTV True Life Series “I’m Allergic to Everything” episode in the segment featuring a young man with eosinophilic esophagitis.
CURED Foundation Makes Generous Donation
Ellyn, Jori and Fred Kodroff and the CURED Foundation once again showed their generosity by donating $150,000 to our research efforts in the CCED and on eosinophilic disorders on June 6, 2011 in the Division of Allergy and Immunology office. Their commitment, drive and determination to find a cure has made a significant difference in advancing research and our understanding of eosinophilic disorders and will help to change the outcome for families around the world.
Study Reveals Long-term Outcomes for Children with New Food Allergy Related Disease Eosinophilic Esophagitis
The first study of its kind to examine the long-term natural history of an emerging new disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, has identified factors associated with complications and reveals that children with the disorder have persistent disease into adulthood. The study, published online June 3 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, was conducted by researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, including Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD. They studied hundreds of people diagnosed with high counts of esophageal eosinophils before eosinophilic esophagitis was known to be a separate disease.
Read more on the study.
AGA-Stuart Brotman Student Research Fellowship Award Recipient
Akanksha Mishra, a recent high school graduate and previous summer research student in the Division, has received the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research Foundation's 2011 AGA-Stuart Brotman Student Research Fellowship Award. This award provides funds for her to continue research in the Division this summer.
Allergy or Cold? Ohio Expert Offers Tips to Help Parents
In this news article, Karl von Tiehl, MD, comments on how to distinguish between allergies and the common cold, which is important for getting proper treatment.
How to Tell if You Have Symptoms of Allergies or a Cold
Dr. Karl von Tiehl, an allergist at Cincinnati Children’s, explains the difference between allergies and colds on a local news segment.
American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Award Recipient
Patricia Fulkerson, MD, PhD, a fellow in training, has received the 2011 AAI-Life Technologies Trainee Achievement Award in recognition of her promise in the field of immunology. The award was presented during the 98th AAI annual meeting in San Francisco.
DHC Award Recipient
Joseph Sherrill, PhD, a fellow in training, received first place in the poster competition held at Cincinnati Children’s Digestive Health Center Annual Scientific Retreat for his work, titled “Dysregulation of the Desmosomal Cadherin Desmoglein-1 in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.”
New Pamphlet Guides Patients on Food Allergies
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has released a pamphlet that can be shared with patients, offering a comprehensive overview of food allergies. Download the pamphlet.
With Children and Food Allergy Diagnoses, Thoroughness is Key
In this news article summarizing current knowledge about food allergies and their diagnosis and treatment, Amal H. Assa’ad, MD, comments on the over diagnosis of food allergies, the insufficiency of a sensitized immune reaction (such as a rash in response to a skin prick test) to the diagnosis food allergy, and the best remedy for an allergic reaction to food.
CURED Foundation Makes Generous Donation
Ellyn, Jori and Fred Kodroff and the CURED Foundation donated $75,000 to our research efforts on eosinophilic disorders in a check presentation in the Division of Allergy and Immunology office. Their commitment, drive and determination to find a cure has made a significant difference in advancing research and our understanding of eosinophilic disorders and will help to change the outcome for families around the world. http://www.curedfoundation.org/
Division Faculty Plays Key Role in Report − Guidelines for Food Allergy Testing Revised
Amal H. Assa’ad, MD, comments on the need for consistent follow-up for food allergy in this article about the insufficiency of using skin prick and blood tests alone for food allergy diagnosis. See also Cincinnati Children’s summary of this article called.
Local Family Raises Donations for Eosinophilic Research
The Kramer family and friends organized a golf tournament in Cincinnati, raising $4,500 for the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders. The initiative came from 5-year-old Arianna. We celebrated her enthusiasm, spirit and gift at a check presentation in the Division of Allergy and Immunology offices. We are constantly made aware of and humbled by the strength, determination and kindness of children living with eosinophilic disorders.
Way to Turn Off Immune System’s Allergic Reaction Discovered
The findings provide hope that the body could be trained to tolerate food allergies that lead to roughly 300,000 emergency room visits and 100 to 200 deaths each year.
FDA Drug Safety Communication: Eosinophilic Pneumonia Associated with the Use of Cubicin (daptomycin)
The FDA informs patients and healthcare professionals about the potential for developing eosinophilic pneumonia during treatment with Cubicin (daptomycin), an intravenous antibacterial drug.
Doctor at Cincinnati Children’s Receives Prestigious NIH MERIT Award to Extend Research of Eosinophilic Disorders
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Cincinnati Children’s, has received an NIH MERIT Award to extend funding of his long-standing investigation into “Regulation of Gastrointestinal Eosinophils.”
Angels for Eosinophilic Research: Dallas Families Unite with Hopes to End Suffering Caused By Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders
Angels For Eosinophilic Research is dedicated to raising money for research for a cure for Eosinophilic (EOS) Disorders. They hope to bring awareness to the world of the strength, faith, and courage of every person fighting this disease. The Angels for Eosinophilic Research fundraising and golf tournament in Dallas, Texas raised $130,000 dollars in their first ever event. The Zicarelli and Angel families, with their sons Luke and Zeke leading the way, combined efforts to raise money for research here at the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED). The CCED team and hospital officials came together on July 15, 2010 to accept their generous donation and to celebrate their great accomplishment.
NIH Expands Food Allergy Research Program
The National Institutes of Health announced that the funding for the Consortium of Food Allergy Research (CoFAR) will be renewed with a five-year, $29.9 million grant. CoFAR will continue to foster new approaches to prevent and treat food allergies and also expand in scope to include research on the genetic causes underlying food allergy and studies of food allergy-associated eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. A portion of this funding will allow Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, to further investigate the genetics of eosinophilic esophagitis and its treatment.
Endowment Boosts Female Researchers
The Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Women’s Scholars Program, which awarded Kimberly Risma, MD, PhD, the Schmidlapp award last year, has received a $2 million endowment.
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, comments on the state of research and lives of children with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in this article about a Cincinnati Children’s patient.
National Registry to Track Eosinophilic Disorders
A $1.6 million federal economic stimulus grant awarded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has helped to launch the Registry for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (REGID). “This registry provides the infrastructure necessary for understanding and treating eosinophilic disorders at a national level, and ultimately, at the international level,” says Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, the principal investigator and developer of REGID. The registry is the first of its kind for eosinophilic disorders and will allow participating centers to build a database of research-accessible clinical information for thousands of patients coping with eosinophilic disorders. The registry will help researchers find patients for clinical trials, compare treatment outcomes and expand knowledge about these unusual conditions.
Gene Site Found for a Children’s Food Allergy
Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, and other pediatrics researchers in the Division of Allergy and Immunology have identified the first major gene location responsible for a severe, often painful type of food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, that leaves its victims unable to eat a wide variety of foods. This type of food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, also may cause weight loss, vomiting and heartburn. The gene site linked to eosinophilic esophagitis plays a key role in inflammation.
After performing a genome-wide association study, the study team found eosinophilic esophagitis was linked to a region of chromosome 5 that includes two genes. The likely culprit is the gene TSLP, which has higher activity levels in children with eosinophilic esophagitis compared to healthy subjects. In addition, TSLP has been previously linked to allergic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and the skin inflammation atopic dermatitis.
The shown image is a Manhattan plot of the meta-analysis of the patient cohorts of Cincinnati Children’s and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Each dot represents a single-nucleotide polymorphism, and the higher the –log10 p-value (y-axis value) the more significant the association of the genetic polymorphism with eosinophilic esophagitis.
Food Allergy Sufferers find Socializing Tricky
Karl von Tiehl, MD, comments on the effects of food allergies on the human body. Read the article.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Abstract Award Recipient
Charles DeBrosse, MD, a fellow in training, has received the 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Allergy and Immunology Outstanding Pediatric Abstract Award. The award was announced during the International AAAAI meeting in New Orleans. DeBrosse presented a talk, “The ‘Epidemic’ of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE) is due to Increased Recognition of a Chronic Disorder.”
Managing Food Allergies During Holiday Season
Karl von Tiehl, MD, gives suggestions on managing your child’s food allergies during this holiday season.
Allergies Linked to Delaying Solid Foods
Li Zuo, MD, commented on delaying introduction of solid foods.
ACAAI: Gelatin a Culprit in Some Vaccine Reactions
Li Zuo, MD, commented on delaying introduction of solid foods.
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) Committed to Food Allergy Research and Awards Grants to Two Cincinnati Children’s Researchers
The Division of Allergy and Immunology’s Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, director, and Simon Hogan, PhD, assistant professor, are two of six leading scientists across the country to share a $1.1 million grant for food allergy research. The funding is provided by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and represents the largest commitment since FAAN’s research grant program began in 2004. To date, more than $4.3 million has been awarded to scientists who are studying the areas of epidemiology, etiology, treatment and prevention of food allergy and anaphylaxis.
The six scientists are working on potential food allergy vaccines and therapies, painstakingly studying anaphylaxis to better understand it, and trying to solve the mysteries of food allergy development. Rothenberg’s project focuses on developing new diagnostic and treatment approaches for eosinophilic esophagitis, an emerging type of food allergy and disorder characterized by the infiltration of a large number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the esophagus. He hopes to uncover the molecular basis for eosinophilic esophagitis.
Hogan is studying anaphylaxis by comparing the levels of IL-9, a factor in the body thought to be associated with anaphylaxis, in children who are at risk for this life-threatening reaction to levels in children who are not at risk. This information could help in the diagnosis of food-triggered, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Other projects include a study of the association between vitamin D and the development of food allergy among children; a study of the use of DNA vaccines to suppress the allergic response toward the major shrimp allergen in an effort to design therapeutic vaccines for food allergy; and developing a new therapeutic approach to peanut allergy through a vaccine.
Each of the six projects is funded in the range of $50,000 to $150,000 per year for up to two years.
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