The Effect of Microgravity on the binding between peanut-specific IgE and peanut protein Flight Experiment Mission 7 to ISS North High School Sioux City, Iowa Principle Investigator: Robert Hwang, 9 th grade Co-Investigators: Rachel Hodgins and Tammy Tran, 9 th grade Teacher Facilitators: Pam Malone-Mason, North High School Dr. Gail Bishop, University of Iowa

What we already know Astronauts are more likely to develop infections in space. Wounds heal poorly in microgravity. Scientists speculate that the immune system is suppressed in space. Allergies are a type of immune response. Hypothesis : Allergic immune responses will be suppressed in space.

I’ll alert Soldier B-Cell!! OH NO! This is a code red. I’m releasing IgE. OMG it’s a peanut!! T-Cells B-Cell Antigens APC Peanut protein triggers B-cells to release peanut specific IgE

Mast Cell Antigens IgE Histamine Peanut specific IgE binds to a specific receptor for IgE on mast cells. The binding of IgE, secreted from the B cell in response to peanut proteins, triggers mast cells to release histamine, which causes allergic symptoms.

Experimental Design Peanut IgE antibody coated well Soy IgE antibody coated well Peanut protein solution, 2mL Blocking Buffer Solution, 4mL Volume 1 Volume 2 Volume 3

How the ELISA test works. Peanut-specific IgE antibody Peanut antigens Conjugate solution containing second antibody with enzyme attached. Substrate solution

Anticipated Results and Implications Outcome 1: The color intensity of the well from space is the same as the color intensity of the well on earth. Implication 1: Microgravity has no effect on the binding of peanut allergens with peanut specific IgE.

Anticipated Results and Implications Outcome 2 : The color of the well from space is more intense than the color of the well on earth. Implication 2: Peanut specific IgE and peanut protein bind more in microgravity. Allergy symptoms would be more severe in space. Astronauts with mild allergies may develop fatal reactions in space, if exposed to allergen.

Anticipated Results and Implications Outcome 3: The color of the well from space is less intense than the color of the well on earth. Implication 3: Peanut specific IgE and peanut protein bind less in microgravity. It is possible that simulated microgravity could be a feasible way to relieve peanut allergy sufferers here on Earth. Vaccines stimulate production of antibodies, released to our blood to combat diseases. If the antibodies lose their ability to bind to microbes in microgravity, astronauts are vulnerable to microbial diseases.

Acknowledgements We thank the following organizations and people for their support: CASIS Sioux City Community School District April Tidwell, STEM Coordinator, SCCSD Special thanks to Dr. Gail Bishop from the University of Iowa.