Grass pollen allergy: molecular analysis and novel intervention strategies

Allergy is a clinically significant health problem in Australia (affecting up to 40% of the population and costing at least A$100 million per annum).  Grass pollens are a major component of the air flora during spring and summer and the most clinically significant cause of seasonal allergy in many countries. This research aims to target novel allergy intervention strategies employing proteomics, phage display and yeast two-hybrid technologies to identify synthetic antagonists that neutralise allergy-trigger molecules for use in pharmacotherapy of allergy. Novel grass pollen allergens will be identified, and new recombinant proteins and synthetic antagonists will provide for safer and more effective diagnosis and treatment of allergy