Phone: (804) 225-3456
Fax: (804) 828-0503
Principle Investigator: Dr. John Ryan
the mast cell
the lab
Allergic diseases affect a significant
portion of the population. Many of these diseases, including asthma,
food allergies, hay fever, and systemic anaphylaxis, are due to excessive
activity of mast cells. Mast cells are granulated leukocytes that
when activated can release a wide range of mediators and cytokines, which
in turn can lead to many of the symptoms that characterize allergic disease.
Our laboratory is studying the
role of mast cells in allergic disease. Our investigation is
centered on the effects of the Th2 cytokines interleukin-4 and interleukin-10
on mast cell function and activity. We have shown that these cytokines
can diminish the ability of mast cells to become activated and can reduce
mast cell viability, and therefore that they may be key players in regulating
allergic disease.
Recently, our focus has shifted
to cancer study. Using a mast cell model, we are investigating some
signaling proteins like bcl-6 and Stat5, whose abberant activity may contribute
to leukemias. Our long term goal is to reveal elements of mast cell activity
and function that may lead to better understanding and potential therapies
for both allergic disease and cancer.