Award details

Role of lymph-borne cells in the early stages of scrapie agent replication

Reference	BS410569
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor John Hopkins
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Nora Hunter
Institution	University of Edinburgh
Department	Veterinary Pathology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	206,500
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/03/1999
End date	01/03/2002
Duration	36 months

Abstract

The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are associated with alterations in the structure of prion-related protein, PrP. The conversion of PrPC to PrPSc may be the actual infectious process, or be a manifestation of that process. Natural infection usually occurs via the gut or skin and it is clear that lymphoid tissues are important in agent replication and dissemination. This project will utilise the cannulated lymphatic model to access cell populations trafficking from the skin and the draining lymph node. Using this model we will focus on the role played by the different lymphoid cell populations in PrPSc dissemination, with particular emphasis on cells of the Langerhans cell/dendritic cell (DC) lineage. The consequences of PrPSc carriage on DC function will also be assessed by assays of T cell proliferation and semi quantitative PCR for DC and T cell, cytokine production.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Biology of Spongiform Encephalopathies - Phase 4 (BS4) [1998]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search