Novalia Pishesha, PhD
Boston Children's Hospital
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
Your Gift = 2X the Impact
This November, your gift will help fund lifesaving lung disease research—and will be 2X matched, up to $50,000, thanks to a generous family foundation.
