Improving Allergy Immunotherapy

Equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a common allergic condition caused by biting midges. Allergens, the substances causing the allergy, are proteins present in the midges' saliva. Although many of these allergens are known, researchers will identify the most relevant ones for IBH in horses for inclusion in allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots). Findings will be used to develop a rapid, sensitive diagnostic test for IBH and to improve allergy vaccines for IBH and other allergic diseases in horses.