Jay McQueen
6/7/2012
Seeing as cats -- or, more specifically -- cat allergies -- are a global issue, perhaps it's no surprise that an American health agency has sent millions of dollars in grant money north of the border.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is giving 6.4-million dollars to McMaster University and St. Joseph's HealthCare.
A joint five-year study will look into exactly how a vaccine developed here in Hamilton works by changing the immune response to cats in those with allergies.
It will also investigate how the white blood cells that are targeted by the vaccine contribute to asthma.
Cat hair is believed by most people to be the cause of allergies but researchers say the culprit is a protein found in their dander and saliva.
Researchers are looking for participants interested in being involved in the study.
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