Novalia Pishesha, PhD

Research Project:
Using Proteins Derived from Alpacas to Reduce Allergic Reactions in Asthma

Grant Awarded:

American Lung Association/AAAAI Allergic Respiratory Diseases Research Award

Research Topics:

basic biologic mechanisms
combination therapies experimental therapeutics
imaging radiology
immunology immunotherapy

Research Diseases:

allergy
asthma

Allergic asthma occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless airborne allergens such as pollen, causing airway inflammation. Current treatments rely on long-term immunosuppressive drugs that ease symptoms but fail to address the root cause. We will study a new approach using engineered nanobodies—small proteins derived from alpacas—to deliver allergens with anti-inflammatory drugs directly to immune cells responsible for the disease. This targeted approach suppresses harmful immune responses at their source. Preliminary work shows that a single treatment significantly reduces allergic reactions in an asthma mouse model. We will investigate the mechanisms of action and using imaging techniques to track the compounds’ distribution. We will also design nanobodies to specifically track asthma-related immune cells and explore immune pathways involved in this therapy’s efficacy using patient-derived immune cells. This research will enable more effective and lasting asthma treatments.

Co-Funded American Lung Association & Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Page last updated: October 15, 2025

Novalia Pishesha, PhD

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