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Do cell-mediated immune responses equivalent to the Th1 responses exist in fish?

Reference	BB/C506021/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Jun Zou
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Chris Secombes, Dr Kimberly Thompson
Institution	University of Aberdeen
Department	School of Medical Sciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	327,043
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/12/2004
End date	30/11/2007
Duration	36 months

Abstract

To date very little is known about specific cell-mediated immunity in fish, despite the cloning and sequencing of TcR and MHC molecules in many species. Whether responses equivalent to Th1 and Th2 responses exist in fish is important to establish, with the former particularly important as there is no other way to measure specific cell-mediated immunity elicited by vaccination. The biological activities of two key cytokines, IFNg and IL-2, have been known for some time and we have now discovered these genes within the Fugu genome. Using this information we have already cloned the trout IFNg gene and here propose to clone the trout IL-2 gene, produce both molecules as recombinant proteins in a E. coli expression system, and establish their bioactivity. We will also produce MoAb to the recombinant proteins and select clones for use in establishing an ELISPOT assay for both molecules. We will then establish whether responses equivalent to Th1 responses are elicited post-vaccination and exposure to pathogens, and whether the magnitude of these responses correlates with the degree of protection seen with different vaccines. Lastly we will characterise the cells secreting these cytokines, using antisera raised to trout CD4, to confirm if CD4 positive cells secrete IFNg and IL-2 in fish and if a CD4 positive cell population exists that does not produce them (potentially Th2 Cells).

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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