Dematologists estimate that 15% of the cases of skin allergy diagnosed in dermatology clinics involve plant-derived toxins and photosensitizers. Our studies have clearly established the presence of a large group of novel allergens that can bring about severe delayed hypersensitivity reactions and immunological inflammations. In this competing continuation, we are requesting continuing support for our collaborative phytochemical and dermatoxicological investigations of novel phytoallergens and photosensitizers. We specifically propose to: (i) expand our phytochemical investigations of new and unstudied allergenic plants from arid and tropical/subtropical zones of the United States and Mexico; (ii) elucidate the structures of novel contact allergens and photoallergens and investigate the molecular mechanisms of action, toxicity and potential medicinal value of these compounds, (iii0 determine the dermatological role of urocanic acid, an important skin metabolite that interacts with photoallergens to either promote or prevent allergic reactions; and (iv) investigate the mutagenic and/or carcinogenic potential of potent contact allergens that cleave DNA. The knowledge of molecular structure, immunological response and dermatotoxicity of contact allergens will provide dermatologists with fundamental information for diaagnosing, and treating natural product- induced allergies and photosensitizations.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01AI018398-07
Application #
3127900
Study Section
Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry Study Section (BNP)
Project Start
1982-05-01
Project End
1994-07-31
Budget Start
1989-09-01
Budget End
1990-07-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
1989
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Irvine
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
161202122
City
Irvine
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92697
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