Robert G. Hamilton, Ph.D., M.S.

Current research interests focuses 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, biologicals 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 following allergen exposures that induce allergic symptoms. Our work focuses on the accurate quantification of allergen-specific IgE, IgG and IgA antibodies 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.

Johns Hopkins Dermatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Reference Laboratory