The allergy and immunology division focused on basic research in drug hypersensitivity for many years.  While we continue to address clinically relevant drug allergy questions, the major research focus of the division has shifted to pediatric asthma.  We recently completed a very important NIH-funded multicenter study that examined the relationship between indoor allergens and asthma-associated morbidity in inner city children. 

Currently, the division is participating in two additional pediatric inner city studies.  The aim of the first study, which is entitled, " Community Leadership in Preventing Asthma - CLIP Asthma", is to determine whether allergens in school environment contribute to asthma-associated morbidity.  Another aim of the study is to determine better methods for asthma screening in schools.  The second study a NIH-funded multi-center study that will be evaluating whether a biomarker-supplemented approach to asthma therapy improves asthma outcomes as compared to a guidelines-based approach without the use of a specific biomarker.  The biomarker to be evaluated in this protocol will be exhaled nitric oxide. 

The Division of Allergy and Immunology has ongoing clinical research in adult and pediatric asthma and allergy.  The following is a list of current research activities: