CHAMP - CHildhood Allergy and tolerance: bioMarkers and Predictors
Funded by German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Duration: 2017-2021
Coordinator: Prof. Bianca Schaub, Munich, Germany
Partners: Prof. Erika von Mutius, Munich
Prof. Wolfgang Greiner, Bielefeld
Prof. Kirsten Beyer, Berlin
Prof. Eckard Hamelmann, Bielefeld
Prof. Michael Kabesch, Regensburg
Prof. Gesine Hansen, Hannover
Project Summary:
The CHAMP Consortium investigates the determinants of different allergic diseases (food allergy, atopic dermatitis, asthma, hay fever) across the whole pediatric age range. Particular attention will be given to factors determining primary tolerance (no onset of disease) and acquired tolerance (remission of existing disease). We will identify clinically relevant biomarkers predicting early onset, progression and remission. As main results, we aim to define a molecular allergy score early in life predicting subsequent allergy risk, to identify predictors of natural tolerance of food allergy and to examine underlying mechanisms in murine models of allergy development with focus on early tolerance induction. We aim to predict mild versus severe allergic diseases, to identify relevant biomarkers and to predict remission of asthma and hay fever. Furthermore/ we will analyse HRQoL of patients and quality of life (QoL) of their parents across different allergic diseases, different disease stages and various age groups.
This consortium has the unique opportunity to assess the development and remission of childhood allergies at all stages of childhood immune and organ development. Adding new insight to the puzzle of early onset, natural tolerance and remission of different allergic diseases from birth to adolescence will lay the ground for future development of preventive strategies. In the long term, this shall contribute to open up novel avenues for therapeutic options. This clearly will make an impact on the life of our patients and their families.
In terms of disease incidence and mortality, lung diseases are ranked second in the world and are directly or indirectly responsible for every fifth death. The annual cost of lung diseases amounts to 102 billion euros alone for Western Europe. It is expected that the number of patients and thus also the costs will continue to rise in the coming years. To date, there are no cures for most respiratory diseases – just symptomatic treatments. For these reasons it is even more important to conduct research to develop new approaches and options for prevention, diagnosis and therapy. In the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), the leading German research institutes have therefore joined together to combat the most important lung diseases through translational research.
http://www.dzl.de/
Collaboration with Prof. Frey, Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, University Childrens Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
The immunology laboratory is responsible for the blood analysis of the Southern German area of the EFRAIM study.
This includes immune stimulation assays including regulatory T cell responses, and preparation of blood for DNA, RNA, serum and plasma.
http://www.efraim-online.com
Identification of novel immune mechanism for childhood asthma: investigation of immune-regulatory networks in interaction with epigenetic and genetic mechanisms
This is a prospective cord blood study in rural southern Germany and aims to assess the influence of environmental, lifestyle factors and genetic background on neonatal immune responses. A selection of different immune responses in cord blood mononuclear cells is investigated in association with lifestyle factors and atopic history of the parents. These data are assessed by standardized questionnaires around birth. Genetic information will be available from the neonates and mothers (DNA extraction). The objective of this birth cohort is to foster the understanding of protective mechanisms for the development of childhood asthma and allergies. A follow-up until the age of 10 years is currently performed. The results of this study will potentially guide future preventive studies with microbial substances in childhood.
Bianca.Schaub@med.uni-muenchen.de
PAULINA is a prospective cord blood study in Munich (in cooperation with the obstetric clinic, LMU Munich, Maistrasse), funded by the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) and investigates the effect of microbial stimulation of cord blood cells on distinct cellular immune responses.
Main focus:
Characterization of the phenotype and function of cord blood cells in the context of microbial stimulation. Early exposure to microbial substances is associated with a lower risk of atopy in childhood. A follow-up until the age of 10 years is currently performed. The identification of underlying immunological mechanisms and interactions of different cell populations in early life in association with a selection of epidemiological data may contribute to protective possibilities in the development of atopic diseases. This could help to elucidate strategies for prevention, e.g. as vaccines or novel therapeutic options in atopic diseases.
Bianca.Schaub@med.uni-muenchen.de
Between Germany (DFG funded), Finland and China: This multi-center project aims to disentangle protective immune regulatory mechanisms for atopic asthma in childhood in environmentally distinct areas. The unique natural exposure to two environments in Europe and China strongly protecting from childhood asthma offers the great opportunity to assess the interplay of the innate and adaptive immune system. This project will provide a profound basis for future immunological studies on allergic asthma in all three countries through establishment and exchange of expertise and immunological techniques. It also represents an unparalleled chance to understand the immune mechanisms underlying the protection from asthma, which are critical for any future development of preventive strategies.