Blood Samples for the Study of Peanut, Tree Nut and Other Food Allergies

Overview: This is a protocol for obtaining serum, plasma, and cells from subjects with specific food allergies and from controls to be used in studies of peanut and other allergens. We are only asking the CTRC for help with drawing blood, separating serum, labeling tubes and to aliquot the serum. In addition, we will receive de-identified serum and plasma from other institutions and de-identified cord blood from the University of Colorado Denver Cord Blood bank. The previous version of this application was COMIRB protocol 09-0813. This was last updated 03-03-2016. Much of the work outlined in protocol 09-0813 was completed and a manuscript is under review. This protocol is still only for the purpose of drawing blood and obtaining clinical histories. As such the risks and benefits in the informed consent have not changed. Based on new NIH funding (RO3 AI 164349; started 7-09-21) and RO1-AI165866 (9th %-tile; scheduled to begin 09-01-21), the project now includes 5 specific aims (Aims #1-5). Aims 1 \& 2 are part of an R21 funded project (R21 AI135397; 11/16/2018-10/31/2020; extended until 10/31/2021 without additional funds) to Dr. Dreskin. Aims 3 \& 4 are part of an R21 funded project (R21 AI137881; 11/28/2018-10/31/2020; extended until 10/31/2021 without additional funds) to Dr. Chen (Dr. Dreskin is Co-PI). These proposals are highly complementary and each only needs access to blood samples. Dr. Dreskin's proposal consists of in vitro experiments to test IgE binding to novel peptides. Dr. Chen's proposal uses human serum or plasma as a source of IgE with which to identify and characterize mimotopes for murine studies. Aim 5 is an exploratory aim to obtain preliminary data for an RO1 to be submitted in 2019. For all of these projects, the only experiments that involve human materials are ex vivo assays of basophil activation, in vitro assays of IgE binding and generation of humanized mice using de-identified cord blood that will otherwise be discarded. There are no therapeutic interventions for human subjects.