Adora Lin, MD, PhD

The lungs of people with asthma are more sensitive to “triggers” in the environment, which can cause trouble breathing. Without proper treatment, asthma can be very serious, even deadly. Most children with asthma also have allergies to things such as pollen and dust, which in turn can trigger their asthma. In children with allergic asthma, their B cells, immune cells that make antibodies, make a type of antibody called IgE, which interacts with other immune cells and causes asthma symptoms. Both B cells and IgE are important in causing allergic asthma, yet have not been studied much in the context of asthma. We will examine different types of B cells and what causes them to start or stop making IgE, and compare B cells between children with and without allergic asthma. This work can lead to better treatments and improve the lives of millions living with asthma.