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This proposal will test the hypothesis that peanut allergy is a complex genetic disease. Several approaches will be taken to test the hypothesis: <ol> <li>
The heritability of peanut allergy will be determined by comparing the concordance rate of the allergy in mono- and dizygotic twin pairs; </li>
<li> Since HLA class II molecules are an attractive candidate as one determinant for peanut allergy, serotyping will be performed and genotype frequencies compared for evidence of association in families with affected probands; and </li>
<li> a genome- wide search will be performed on families with two affected siblings using highly polymorphic markers that systematically cover the entire genome and the data analyzed for linkage to major loci contributing to peanut allergy. </li></ol></p>
Allergy to peanut affects 0.6 percent of the general population, is responsible for the majority of severe, life-threatening food allergic reactions, and sensitivity is rarely outgrown. Because peanut is ubiquitous in the American diet, sensitization among susceptible individuals is the rule and accidental ingestions among allergic individuals is common. Despite the seriousness of the allergy, little is known about the genetic basis of this or any other food allergy.
Dr. Sicherer will be supported in his endeavors with protected research time, access to the General Clinical Research Center and institutional core facilities, and dedicated laboratory space. His development will be fostered by the serious committment of his mentors to guide him in the proposed studies and in the responsible conduct of research, and by the outstanding research and intellectual environment at Mount Sinai.