Award details

Faraday earmarked proposal: Genomic approaches to improving pig innate and adaptive immunity and health.

Reference	BB/C510432/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Christopher Stokes
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Michael Bailey, Dr Bevis Miller
Institution	University of Bristol
Department	Clinical Veterinary Science
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	102,390
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/01/2005
End date	31/12/2007
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Understanding the genetic control of innate immunity in domestic animals is both of fundamental scientific interest and strategically important. By means of a genome scan in pigs by linkage disequilibrium for traits of innate immunity, experiments targeted at unravelling the genetic factors determining the appropriate maturation of the gastrointestinal mucosal immune system, and comparative genomics taking advantage of the annotated human and murine genome sequence we will contribute to the understanding of the genetic control of immune traits and define genetic markers for use in practical breeding situations. Our genome scan will consist of a panel of 1500 SNP markers, tested on c. 600 pigs, associated by TDT LD tests with a wide range of innate immune measures. Innate (and adaptive) immune traits will include white blood cell counts, acute phase proteins, and mononuclear cell subset phenotypes. Confirmation will be performed on pigs measured for the same immune measures under lower health conditions. Maturation of the mucosal immune system will be contrasted sequentially across time between distinct pig genotypes, concentrating on antigen presenting cell (APC) populations in the intestinal mucosa as the major intersection point between innate and adaptive immune systems. Additionally, dietary manipulation will be used to determine immune response to pathogens and tolerance to food antigens (serum anti-soya IgG1 and IgG2 levels) and commensal microorganisms post-weaning. Genetic influences on immune maturation, comparative genomics and knowledge of the physical location of linked genes will give considerable insight into genes influencing innate immunity. This will lead to the development of tools for use by breeders under practical situations, particularly, genetic markers measurable under high-health conditions that are predictive of immunity and performance under lower health conditions. Joint with BB/C510424/1

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	Faraday: Genesis (FGEN) [2004-2005]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

Associated awards:

BB/C510424/1 Faraday earmarked proposal: Genomic approaches to improving pig innate and adaptive immunity and health.

BB/C510424/2 Faraday earmarked proposal: Genomic approaches to improving pig innate and adaptive immunity and health.

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