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Using Fluorescent Micro(nano)scopy to Understand how Biophysical Cues Fine-tune Mast Cell Signaling

Award Number: F31AI194518
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 11/11/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 11/10/2027

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Using Fluorescent Micro(nano)scopy to Understand how Biophysical Cues Fine-tune Mast Cell Signaling - Project Summary / Abstract The activation and regulation of mast cell signaling through the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) is a critical aspect of allergic responses. Upon crosslinking by multivalent antigens, FcεRI initiates signaling cascades that result in mast cell degranulation and cytokine release, driving allergic inflammation. While the biochemical mechanisms of FcεRI activation are well understood, significant gaps remain in understanding how biophysical factors can modulate mast cell responses. My F31 research will address the central hypothesis that the strength and specificity of mast cell responses are fine-tuned by biophysical cues that modulate FcεRI signaling. Specifically, I propose that factors such as antigen properties, tissue stiffness, and mechanotransduction serve as critical signals to modulate FcεRI activation dynamics, ultimately shaping the mast cell's response. To address my hypothesis, I will: 1) define how antigen structure modulates FcεRI aggregation and downstream signaling using cashew-derived allergens, 2) determine how integrin-FcεRI crosstalk regulates mast cell activation, and 3) evaluate the roles of receptor packing and mechanotransduction in FcεRI-mediated signaling at the mast cell synapse. A combination of cutting-edge techniques will be used, including super-resolution imaging, DNA origami nanosheets, tension gauge tethers, along with natural allergens and Monte Carlo simulations, to uncover how mast cells decide the specificity and strength of their response. The outcomes will advance our understanding of mast cell activation, inform innovative therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases, and contribute to our fundamental knowledge of immune receptor signaling. Through the Training Plan, I will build expertise in immunobiology, cell signaling, mechanotransduction, advanced cellular imaging, biophysical methods, and structural modeling. The F31 process will give me the research experience and professional skills needed to build an independent research career focusing on understanding immune cell signaling.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $39,446 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO	1 UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO	ALBUQUERQUE	NM	87131	BERNALILLO	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	5/11/2026	NEW	$39,446
														Subtotal = $39,446

Grand Total All Awards = $39,446

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Using Fluorescent Micro(nano)scopy to Understand how Biophysical Cues Fine-tune Mast Cell Signaling

Award Number: F31AI194518

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 11/11/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 11/10/2027

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