Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Harvard Medical School Faculty Dean for Academic Programs at Boston Children’s Hospital
The Oettgen laboratory focuses on IgE chemicals involved in the inflammatory response. The team is currently examining the effects of IgE growth and function of mast cells in the intestine. They are also studying how IgE and mast cells regulate immune sensitization in the intestine in the setting of food allergy.
People with allergies produce large amounts of IgE antibodies, which circulate in the blood and bind to IgE receptors in mast cells in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin and other organs. Some IgE antibodies recognize specific allergens, including foods, insect venoms, drugs and airborne particles such as pollens and animal danders. Allergic reactions are triggered when mast cell-bound IgE encounters specific allergen, leading to receptor aggregation, mast cell activation, and the release of histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and cytokines. This release of mediators is what causes allergic reactions to foods including anaphylaxis. IgE antibodies can also exert effects in the absence of allergen encounters. For instance IgE, by itself, increases the number of IgE receptors, mast cell survival, and cytokine production. Thus high levels of IgE, which are invariably present in allergic individuals, may not only drive acute allergic reactions but also regulate many other aspects of the immune response. The Oettgen lab has recently focused on the role of IgE antibodies and mast cells in immune regulation and on the counteracting effects of allergen-specific IgG antibodies in suppressing allergy. The group has found that food-specific IgG antibodies, signaling via the inhibitory Fc receptor, FcgRIIb, block the IgE-mediated activation of mast cells and basophils and promote the emergence of regulatory T cells. Food specific IgG is strongly induced by oral immunotherapy and these results suggest that this IgG may mediate the beneficial effects of this treatment and that allergen-specific IgG might eventually prove to be a useful therapy.
Oettgens' studies aim to define the precise molecular and cellular pathways through which IgE and IgG antibodies regulate immune functions. A better understanding of the allergic process should enable physicians to more effectively use the new anti-IgE therapies.
Research Background
Dr. Oettgen received his MD from Harvard Medical School along with a PhD in Immunology, training with Cox Terhorst, PhD. He completed his clinical training in Pediatrics and Allergy & Immunology at Boston Children’s Hospital and did post-doctoral laboratory studies with Dr. Philip Leder, Chair of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Upon completion of his training, he was selected as a recipient of a Pew Scholarship and started his research laboratory, which has been consistently NIH-funded, at Boston Children’s Hospital. He represents the Hospital as one of the core researchers in the Food Allergy Science Initiative (FASI) based at the Broad Institute in Cambridge where he is an Associate Member. He will co-chair the upcoming Gordon Research conference on Food Allergy to be held in Ventura, California in January 2022. Dr. Oettgen holds the Children’s Hospital Boston Professorship in Pediatric Immunology at Harvard Medical School and serves as Associate Chief of the Division of Immunology at Boston Children’s. In addition to directing the Oettgen lab he oversees the clinical programs of the Division, which provides services to children with allergies, immune deficiencies, rheumatologic diseases, and skin disorders.
Selected Publications
Kanagaratham C, El Ansari YF, Salis BF, Hollister BA, Lewis OL, Minnicozzi SC, Oyoshi MK, Rosen R, Nurko S, Fiebiger E, Oettgen HC. Omeprazole inhibits IgE-mediated mast cell activation and allergic inflammation induced by ingested allergen in mice. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;146:884-893. PMID: 32194041
Turner JA, Stephen-Victor E, Wang S, Rivas MN, Abdel-Gadir A, Harb H, Cui Y, Fanny M, Charbonnier LM, Fong JJH, Benamar M, Wang L, Burton OT, Bansal K, Bry L, Zhu C, Li QZ, Clement RL, Oettgen HC, Crestani E, Rachid R, Sage PT, Chatila TA. Regulatory T cell-derived TGF-β1 controls multiple checkpoints governing allergy and autoimmunity. Immunity. 2020;53:1202-1214. PMID: 33086036
Burton OT, Noval Rivas M, Zhou JS, Logsdon SL, Darling AR, Koleoglou KJ, Roers A, Houshyar H, Crackower MA, Chatila TA, Oettgen HC. Immunoglobulin E signal inhibition during allergen ingestion leads to reversal of established food allergy and induction of regulatory T cells. Immunity. 2014 Jul 17;41(1):141-151. PMID: 25017467
Burton OT, Logsdon SL, Zhou JS, Medina-Tamayo J, Abdel-Gadir A, Noval Rivas M, Koleoglou KJ, Chatila TA, Schneider LC, Rachid R, Umetsu DT, Oettgen HC. Oral immunotherapy induces IgG antibodies that act through FcyRIIb to suppress IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Dec;134(6):1310-1317. PMID: 25042981
Education
Undergraduate School
Williams College
1980
Williamstown
MA
US
Medical School
Harvard Medical School
1987
Boston
MA
US
Internship
Boston Children's Hospital
1988
Boston
MA
US
Residency
Pediatrics
Boston Children's Hospital
1990
Boston
MA
US
Fellowship
Allergy & Immunology
Boston Children's Hospital
1993
Boston
MA
Publications
T follicular helper cell expansion and hyperimmunoglobulinemia with spontaneous IgE production to dietary antigens in IgA-deficient mice. Mucosal Immunol. 2025 Jan 15. View Abstract
Allergen-specific IgA and IgG antibodies as inhibitors of mast cell function in food allergy. Front Allergy. 2024; 5:1389669. View Abstract
Rethinking Immunological Risk: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Severe SARS-Cov-2 Infections in Individuals With Congenital Immunodeficiencies. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2023 11; 11(11):3391-3399.e3. View Abstract
Rethinking immunologic risk: a retrospective cohort study of severe SARS-CoV-2 infections in individuals with congenital immunodeficiencies. medRxiv. 2023 Jun 05. View Abstract
Allergen-Specific IgA Antibodies Block IgE-Mediated Activation of Mast Cells and Basophils. Front Immunol. 2022; 13:881655. View Abstract
High-resolution epitope mapping by AllerScan reveals relationships between IgE and IgG repertoires during peanut oral immunotherapy. Cell Rep Med. 2021 10 19; 2(10):100410. View Abstract
Immune changes beyond Th2 pathways during rapid multifood immunotherapy enabled with omalizumab. Allergy. 2021 09; 76(9):2809-2826. View Abstract
Mast Cells as Regulators of Adaptive Immune Responses in Food Allergy. Yale J Biol Med. 2020 12; 93(5):711-718. View Abstract
Regulatory T Cell-Derived TGF-ß1 Controls Multiple Checkpoints Governing Allergy and Autoimmunity. Immunity. 2020 Dec 15; 53(6):1331-1332. View Abstract
IgE and IgG Antibodies as Regulators of Mast Cell and Basophil Functions in Food Allergy. Front Immunol. 2020; 11:603050. View Abstract
Preventing asthma in high risk kids (PARK) with omalizumab: Design, rationale, methods, lessons learned and adaptation. Contemp Clin Trials. 2021 01; 100:106228. View Abstract
IgE and mast cells: The endogenous adjuvant. Adv Immunol. 2020; 148:93-153. View Abstract
Regulatory T Cell-Derived TGF-ß1 Controls Multiple Checkpoints Governing Allergy and Autoimmunity. Immunity. 2020 12 15; 53(6):1202-1214.e6. View Abstract
Omeprazole inhibits IgE-mediated mast cell activation and allergic inflammation induced by ingested allergen in mice. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 10; 146(4):884-893.e5. View Abstract
The soluble isoform of human Fc?RI is an endogenous inhibitor of IgE-mediated mast cell responses. Allergy. 2019 02; 74(2):236-245. View Abstract
Immunoglobulin E blockade during food allergen ingestion enhances the induction of inhibitory immunoglobulin G antibodies. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2019 02; 122(2):213-215. View Abstract
Tissue-Specific Expression of the Low-Affinity IgG Receptor, Fc?RIIb, on Human Mast Cells. Front Immunol. 2018; 9:1244. View Abstract
Importance of basophils in eosinophilic asthma: the murine counterpart. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2018 Mar-Apr; 32(2):335-339. View Abstract
IgE promotes type 2 innate lymphoid cells in murine food allergy. Clin Exp Allergy. 2018 03; 48(3):288-296. View Abstract
Anti-IgE therapy: clinical utility and mechanistic insights. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2015; 388:39-61. View Abstract
Oral immunotherapy induces IgG antibodies that act through Fc?RIIb to suppress IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Dec; 134(6):1310-1317.e6. View Abstract
Immunoglobulin E signal inhibition during allergen ingestion leads to reversal of established food allergy and induction of regulatory T cells. Immunity. 2014 Jul 17; 41(1):141-51. View Abstract
Food allergy: Insights into etiology, prevention, and treatment provided by murine models. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Feb; 133(2):309-17. View Abstract
Basophils are rapidly mobilized following initial aeroallergen encounter in naïve mice and provide a priming source of IL-4 in adaptive immune responses. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2014 Jan-Mar; 28(1):91-103. View Abstract
IL-10 suppresses IL-17-mediated dermal inflammation and reduces the systemic burden of Vaccinia virus in a mouse model of eczema vaccinatum. Clin Immunol. 2014 Feb; 150(2):153-60. View Abstract
An IgE receptor mimetic peptide (PepE) protects mice from IgE mediated anaphylaxis. Mol Biosyst. 2013 Nov; 9(11):2853-9. View Abstract
A beneficial role for immunoglobulin E in host defense against honeybee venom. Immunity. 2013 Nov 14; 39(5):963-75. View Abstract
A microbiota signature associated with experimental food allergy promotes allergic sensitization and anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013 Jan; 131(1):201-12. View Abstract
Direct effects of IL-4 on mast cells drive their intestinal expansion and increase susceptibility to anaphylaxis in a murine model of food allergy. Mucosal Immunol. 2013 Jul; 6(4):740-50. View Abstract
IL-21 is the primary common ? chain-binding cytokine required for human B-cell differentiation in vivo. Blood. 2011 Dec 22; 118(26):6824-35. View Abstract
Beyond immediate hypersensitivity: evolving roles for IgE antibodies in immune homeostasis and allergic diseases. Immunol Rev. 2011 Jul; 242(1):128-43. View Abstract
Distinct immune effector pathways contribute to the full expression of peanut-induced anaphylactic reactions in mice. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Jun; 127(6):1552-61.e1. View Abstract
Mast cells and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a): partners in crime in asthma pathogenesis. Clin Immunol. 2011 Jul; 140(1):1-2. View Abstract
IgE-mediated systemic anaphylaxis and impaired tolerance to food antigens in mice with enhanced IL-4 receptor signaling. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Mar; 127(3):795-805.e1-6. View Abstract
Immune response to varicella vaccine in children with atopic dermatitis compared with nonatopic controls. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Dec; 126(6):1306-7.e2. View Abstract
Anti-IgE in the treatment of allergic disorders in pediatrics. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2010 Dec; 22(6):758-64. View Abstract
Skin inflammation arising from cutaneous regulatory T cell deficiency leads to impaired viral immune responses. J Immunol. 2010 Jul 15; 185(2):1295-302. View Abstract
In vivo regulation of the allergic response by the IL-4 receptor alpha chain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 May; 125(5):1128-1136.e8. View Abstract
Exaggerated IL-17 response to epicutaneous sensitization mediates airway inflammation in the absence of IL-4 and IL-13. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Oct; 124(4):761-70.e1. View Abstract
Pathogenicity of a disease-associated human IL-4 receptor allele in experimental asthma. J Exp Med. 2009 Sep 28; 206(10):2191-204. View Abstract
Vaccinia virus inoculation in sites of allergic skin inflammation elicits a vigorous cutaneous IL-17 response. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Sep 01; 106(35):14954-9. View Abstract
Toll-like receptor 2 is important for the T(H)1 response to cutaneous sensitization. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Apr; 123(4):875-82.e1. View Abstract
Novel presentation of Omenn syndrome in association with aniridia. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Apr; 123(4):966-9. View Abstract
IgE influences the number and function of mature mast cells, but not progenitor recruitment in allergic pulmonary inflammation. J Immunol. 2009 Feb 15; 182(4):2416-24. View Abstract
IL-21R is essential for epicutaneous sensitization and allergic skin inflammation in humans and mice. J Clin Invest. 2009 Jan; 119(1):47-60. View Abstract
Immunoglobulin E antibodies enhance pulmonary inflammation induced by inhalation of a chemical hapten. Clin Exp Allergy. 2009 Mar; 39(3):417-25. View Abstract
Polyclonal and specific antibodies mediate protective immunity against enteric helminth infection. Cell Host Microbe. 2008 Oct 16; 4(4):362-73. View Abstract
Mouse mast cell tryptase mMCP-6 is a critical link between adaptive and innate immunity in the chronic phase of Trichinella spiralis infection. J Immunol. 2008 Apr 01; 180(7):4885-91. View Abstract
TNF receptor-associated factor 1 expressed in resident lung cells is required for the development of allergic lung inflammation. J Immunol. 2008 Feb 01; 180(3):1878-85. View Abstract
Impaired immune response to vaccinia virus inoculated at the site of cutaneous allergic inflammation. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Dec; 120(6):1382-8. View Abstract
Skin inflammation in RelB(-/-) mice leads to defective immunity and impaired clearance of vaccinia virus. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Mar; 119(3):671-9. View Abstract
The complement component C3 plays a critical role in both Th1 and Th2 responses to antigen. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Jun; 117(6):1455-61. View Abstract
TRAF1 regulates Th2 differentiation, allergic inflammation and nuclear localization of the Th2 transcription factor, NIP45. Int Immunol. 2006 Jan; 18(1):101-11. View Abstract
COX-2 inhibition enhances the TH2 immune response to epicutaneous sensitization. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Aug; 116(2):390-6. View Abstract
Antigen-independent effects of immunoglobulin E. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2005 May; 5(3):186-90. View Abstract
Cytotoxic T-cells specific for natural IgE peptides downregulate IgE production. Cell Immunol. 2005 Jan; 233(1):11-22. View Abstract
Immune sensitization in the skin is enhanced by antigen-independent effects of IgE on mast cells. Novartis Found Symp. 2005; 271:15-24; discussion 24-38, 95-9. View Abstract
The anaphylatoxin C3a downregulates the Th2 response to epicutaneously introduced antigen. J Clin Invest. 2004 Aug; 114(3):399-407. View Abstract
Immune sensitization in the skin is enhanced by antigen-independent effects of IgE. Immunity. 2004 Apr; 20(4):381-92. View Abstract
Effect of environmental intervention on mouse allergen levels in homes of inner-city Boston children with asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2004 Apr; 92(4):420-5. View Abstract
IgE enhances parasite clearance and regulates mast cell responses in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis. J Immunol. 2004 Jan 15; 172(2):1139-45. View Abstract
Targeted inactivation of the IL-4 receptor alpha chain I4R motif promotes allergic airway inflammation. J Exp Med. 2003 Oct 20; 198(8):1189-200. View Abstract
IL-10 is critical for Th2 responses in a murine model of allergic dermatitis. J Clin Invest. 2003 Oct; 112(7):1058-66. View Abstract
Management of an anaphylactoid reaction to methotrexate with a stepwise graded challenge. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2003 Oct; 14(5):409-11. View Abstract
Desloratadine inhibits allergen-induced airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness and alters T-cell responses in murine models of asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003 Jul; 112(1):149-58. View Abstract
CCR3 is essential for skin eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of allergic skin inflammation. J Clin Invest. 2002 Mar; 109(5):621-8. View Abstract
Giant cell myocarditis in a 12-year-old girl with common variable immunodeficiency. Mayo Clin Proc. 2002 Jan; 77(1):92-6. View Abstract
Mast cells regulate IFN-gamma expression in the skin and circulating IgE levels in allergen-induced skin inflammation. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2002 Jan; 109(1):106-13. View Abstract
Alterations of the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease gene SH2D1A in common variable immunodeficiency syndrome. Blood. 2001 Sep 01; 98(5):1321-5. View Abstract
IgE regulation and roles in asthma pathogenesis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001 Mar; 107(3):429-40. View Abstract
Resolution of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary inflammation is associated with IL-3 and tissue leukocyte apoptosis. J Immunol. 2001 Feb 01; 166(3):2033-40. View Abstract
An obligate role for T-cell receptor alphabeta+ T cells but not T-cell receptor gammadelta+ T cells, B cells, or CD40/CD40L interactions in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001 Feb; 107(2):359-66. View Abstract
Regulation of the IgE isotype switch: new insights on cytokine signals and the functions of epsilon germline transcripts. Curr Opin Immunol. 2000 Dec; 12(6):618-23. View Abstract
CD40L, but not CD40, is required for allergen-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness in mice. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2000 Nov; 23(5):646-51. View Abstract
IgE in asthma and atopy: cellular and molecular connections. J Clin Invest. 1999 Oct; 104(7):829-35. View Abstract
SLP-76 deficiency impairs signaling via the high-affinity IgE receptor in mast cells. J Clin Invest. 1999 Jun; 103(12):1737-43. View Abstract
Roles of TH1 and TH2 cytokines in a murine model of allergic dermatitis. J Clin Invest. 1999 Apr; 103(8):1103-11. View Abstract
Position-dependent inhibition of class-switch recombination by PGK-neor cassettes inserted into the immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region locus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Mar 16; 96(6):3000-5. View Abstract
The X-linked lymphoproliferative-disease gene product SAP regulates signals induced through the co-receptor SLAM. Nature. 1998 Oct 01; 395(6701):462-9. View Abstract
Molecular and biological characterization of the murine leukotriene B4 receptor expressed on eosinophils. J Exp Med. 1998 Sep 21; 188(6):1063-74. View Abstract
The expression of murine B cell CD23, in vivo, is regulated by its ligand, IgE. Int Immunol. 1998 Sep; 10(9):1377-84. View Abstract
A murine model of allergic rhinitis: studies on the role of IgE in pathogenesis and analysis of the eosinophil influx elicited by allergen and eotaxin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1998 Jul; 102(1):65-74. View Abstract
IgE regulates mouse basophil Fc epsilon RI expression in vivo. J Immunol. 1997 Mar 15; 158(6):2517-21. View Abstract
Normal ranges for lymphocyte subsets in children. J Pediatr. 1997 Mar; 130(3):347-9. View Abstract
Searching for genes involved in the pathogenesis of primary immunodeficiency diseases: lessons from mouse knockouts. J Clin Immunol. 1997 Mar; 17(2):109-26. View Abstract
Allergen-induced bronchial hyperreactivity and eosinophilic inflammation occur in the absence of IgE in a mouse model of asthma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1997 Feb 18; 94(4):1344-9. View Abstract
IgE enhances mouse mast cell Fc(epsilon)RI expression in vitro and in vivo: evidence for a novel amplification mechanism in IgE-dependent reactions. J Exp Med. 1997 Feb 17; 185(4):663-72. View Abstract
Mice with a targeted deletion of the IgE gene have increased worm burdens and reduced granulomatous inflammation following primary infection with Schistosoma mansoni. J Immunol. 1997 Jan 01; 158(1):294-300. View Abstract
Eotaxin triggers eosinophil-selective chemotaxis and calcium flux via a distinct receptor and induces pulmonary eosinophilia in the presence of interleukin 5 in mice. Mol Med. 1996 May; 2(3):334-48. View Abstract
Active anaphylaxis in IgE-deficient mice. Nature. 1994 Aug 04; 370(6488):367-70. View Abstract
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A review of the structure and function of the T-cell receptor-T3 complex. Crit Rev Immunol. 1987; 7(2):131-67. View Abstract
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