Education
BSc(Hons), Queen's University
MSc, Queen's University
PhD, McMaster University
Postdoctoral, University of California, San Diego
Mucosal Immunology
Research
Role of T cells in gastrointestinal manifestations of non-IgE-mediated food allergy
We are interested in understanding the mechanisms by which T cells can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction in non-IgE-mediated food allergies such as food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). We hypothesize that in non-IgE-mediated food allergies, antigen-specific T cells are activated locally in the mucosa and induce gastrointestinal dysfunction. We are testing how T cell activation alters the barrier function, fluid secretion, and motility of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, we are testing the cross-talk between T cells and sensory nerves in the development of non-IgE-mediated food allergy.Overview
Our laboratory is dedicated to understanding the mucosal immunology of food allergic disorders. Themes within this work include (1) understanding mechanisms responsible for development of sensitization and tolerance to food proteins, (2) determining how allergen-specific T cells home to the gut and induce disease, and (3) finding methods to modify the allergen-specific T cell response for therapeutic purposes. Much of our lab’s work to date has focused on the communication between gastrointestinal epithelial cells, dendritic cells, and antigen-specific T cells in the context of food allergy.Epithelial-dendritic cell communication in development of sensitization and tolerance
In this theme of research, we are trying to understand how epithelial cells at mucosal sites respond to allergens, and how epithelial cells in turn condition dendritic cells to initiate regulatory or pro-allergic responses to food allergens. The goal of this research is to understand the immune mechanisms that determine if an individual develops allergic sensitization to foods, and also to understand why certain foods such as peanuts are such common food allergens.Publications
Berin MC. Mechanisms of allergic sensitization to foods: bypassing immune tolerance pathways. Immunology and allergy clinics of North America 2012 Feb; 32(1).
Berin MC, Sicherer S. Food allergy: mechanisms and therapeutics. Current opinion in immunology 2011 Dec; 23(6).
Dunkin D, Berin MC, Mayer L. Allergic sensitization can be induced via multiple physiologic routes in an adjuvant-dependent manner. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 2011 Dec; 128(6).
Nácher M, Blázquez AB, Shao B, Matesanz A, Prophete C, Berin MC, Frenette PS, Hidalgo A. Physiological contribution of CD44 as a ligand for E-Selectin during inflammatory T-cell recruitment. The American journal of pathology 2011 May; 178(5).
Martos G, Lopez-Exposito I, Bencharitiwong R, Berin MC, Nowak-Węgrzyn A. Mechanisms underlying differential food allergy response to heated egg. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 2011 Apr; 127(4).
Dahan S, Rabinowitz KM, Martin AP, Berin MC, Unkeless JC, Mayer L. Notch-1 signaling regulates intestinal epithelial barrier function, through interaction with CD4+ T cells, in mice and humans. Gastroenterology 2011 Feb; 140(2).
Blázquez AB, Mayer L, Berin MC. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is required for gastrointestinal allergy but not oral tolerance. Gastroenterology 2010 Oct; 139(4).
Pochard P, Vickery B, Berin MC, Grishin A, Sampson HA, Caplan M, Bottomly K. Targeting Toll-like receptors on dendritic cells modifies the T(H)2 response to peanut allergens in vitro. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 2010 Jul; 126(1).
Melillo JA, Song L, Bhagat G, Blazquez AB, Plumlee CR, Lee C, Berin C, Reizis B, Schindler C. Dendritic cell (DC)-specific targeting reveals Stat3 as a negative regulator of DC function. Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) 2010 Mar; 184(5).
Blázquez AB, Knight AK, Getachew H, Bromberg JS, Lira SA, Mayer L, Berin MC. A functional role for CCR6 on proallergic T cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenterology 2010 Jan; 138(1).
Berin MC, Mayer L. Immunophysiology of experimental food allergy. Mucosal immunology 2009 Jan; 2(1).
Roth-Walter F, Berin MC, Arnaboldi P, Escalante CR, Dahan S, Rauch J, Jensen-Jarolim E, Mayer L. Pasteurization of milk proteins promotes allergic sensitization by enhancing uptake through Peyer's patches. Allergy 2008 Jul; 63(7).
Berin MC, Shreffler WG. T(H)2 adjuvants: implications for food allergy. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 2008 Jun; 121(6).
Blázquez AB, Berin MC. Gastrointestinal dendritic cells promote Th2 skewing via OX40L. Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) 2008 Apr; 180(7).
Li H, Chehade M, Liu W, Xiong H, Mayer L, Berin MC. Allergen-IgE complexes trigger CD23-dependent CCL20 release from human intestinal epithelial cells. Gastroenterology 2007 Dec; 133(6).
Knight AK, Blázquez AB, Zhang S, Mayer L, Sampson HA, Berin MC. CD4 T cells activated in the mesenteric lymph node mediate gastrointestinal food allergy in mice. American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology 2007 Dec; 293(6).
Li H, Nowak-Wegrzyn A, Charlop-Powers Z, Shreffler W, Chehade M, Thomas S, Roda G, Dahan S, Sperber K, Berin MC. Transcytosis of IgE-antigen complexes by CD23a in human intestinal epithelial cells and its role in food allergy. Gastroenterology 2006 Jul; 131(1).
Berin MC, Zheng Y, Domaradzki M, Li XM, Sampson HA. Role of TLR4 in allergic sensitization to food proteins in mice. Allergy 2006 Jan; 61(1).
Industry Relationships
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of Mount Sinai School of Medicine often interact with pharmaceutical, device and biotechnology companies to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their relationships with such companies.
Dr. Berin did not report having any of the following types of financial relationships with industry during 2011 and/or 2012: consulting, scientific advisory board, industry-sponsored lectures, service on Board of Directors, participation on industry-sponsored committees, equity ownership valued at greater than 5% of a publicly traded company or any value in a privately held company. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website at http://www.mssm.edu/about-us/services-and-resources/faculty-resources/handbooks-and-policies/faculty-handbook. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.
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