The novel structure of the cockroach allergen Bla g 1 has implications for allergenicity and exposure assessment

The novel structure of the cockroach allergen Bla g 1 has implications for allergenicity and exposure assessment

Leading Research to Understand, Treat, and Prevent Infectious, Immunologic, and Allergic Diseases

Visit us on the Web

NIAID-funded Study Increases Understanding of Cockroach Allergen
NIAID-funded investigators have determined the structure of one of the allergenic components of cockroach debris, enhancing understanding of cockroach allergy. Exposure to cockroaches is a major environmental trigger of asthma attacks among inner-city children and can worsen their asthma symptoms.
The findings, published in the December issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI), also will help scientists develop standardized methods to measure this material in allergy tests. Reducing cockroach allergen exposure is an important component of asthma management in children who live in low-income, urban housing, where cockroach infestations are common and asthma severity is high.
For more information about the study, read the abstract on the JACI website.