Immunogenetic Studies of a Marsupial (Monodelphis Domestica)

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In the coming year, this research will concentrate on completing several of the projects begun under previous support. The Class I membrane antigens of the Major Histocompatibility Complex of the marsupial Monodelphis domestica will be isolated and characterized using the Western blot procedure. Studies of the baseline immune responses will be completed and attempts to tolerize newborns to particulate and soluble antigens will be continued. Further data on the response of lymphocytes to mitogens and the behavior of Monodelphis lymphocytes in mixed lymphocyte cultures will be obtained. Studies will be continued of the development of alpha- fetoprotein in animals of various stages, and antisera against alpha- fetoprotein will be produced. Finally, studies will be continued of the genetic control of the enzyme polymorphisms and blood groups already defined. The major objective of this project is to study the immunogenetic and biochemical genetic systems of a marsupial. Another objective is to involve bright undergraduate students in basic research in an established and active research laboratory.