Hamilton, Robert G., Ph.D., D.ABMLI

Research Interests
 
• Humoral (antibody) immune responses in allergic and infectious disease
• Natural rubber latex allergy
• Diagnostic allergy testing
• Medical product and environmental allergen testing

Past Research

Development of immunoassays for human IgE and IgG antibodies specific for a spectrum of allergens and antigens.

Quantification of allergens in medical products, foods and indoor environments.

Current Research

My current research interests focus on (1) the role of IgE and IgG antibodies in modulating human allergic disease, (2) the utility of these antibody measurements in the diagnosis and management of human allergic disease, and (3) the immunogenicity of new and FDA-approved drugs and vaccines.  In 1967, IgE antibody was identified as the ‘gate-keeper’ of allergic reactions.  By binding onto mast cells and basophils, it controls the release of mediators that follow allergen exposures.  Our work focuses on the accurate quantification of allergen-specific IgE, IgG and IgA in an attempt to identify indicators of risk for and protection from allergic reactions.  Together with my colleague N. Franklin Adkinson Jr., M.D., we are investigating the safety of new and approved drugs for their ability to elicit IgE and IgG antibody responses as part of clinical trials leading to FDA approval.  Finally, I oversee the Johns Hopkins Dermatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (DACI) Reference Laboratory which is a full service diagnostic allergy laboratory that provides IgE and IgG antibody measurements as well as measurements of mast cell tryptase, eosinophil cationic protein, cotinine, indoor aeroallergens and endotoxin that aid in the diagnosis and management of human allergic disease.

Laboratory

Robert G. Hamilton, Ph.D., D.ABMLI
Professor of Medicine– senior laboratory investigator
Professor of Pathology
Director, Johns Hopkins Dermatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (DACI) Reference Laboratory

Positions Available

Positions are available for qualified and motivated post-doctoral fellows.  Please inquire via email to rhamilto@jhmi.edu

Last Updated 3/31/06