Asthma Research in NIAID Labs
The NIAID Laboratory of Allergic Diseases (LAD) conducts an integrated program of basic, translational, and clinical research on immunologic diseases, with an emphasis on understanding the progression of disorders of immediate hypersensitivity, including asthma and anaphylaxis, a severe inflammatory allergic reaction that can lead to death. LAD members study the growth and differentiation of mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils, all of which are immune cells that play important roles in allergic reactions. LAD also conducts research on the products generated by mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils that promote inflammation.
LAD translates its research findings into the clinic, where it studies the progression of allergic disorders such as mastocytosis and anaphylaxis. LAD’s clinical efforts help facilitate the development of novel anti-inflammatory approaches to the treatment of allergic disorders and systemic mast-cell diseases.