RUI: Immunobiologic Studies of a Marsupial

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9305401 Stone The overall objective of this project is to initiate molecular immunobiologic studies of the marsupial, Monodelphis domestica, the gray, short-tailed opossum. It has already been found that Monodelphis exhibits a typical primary immune response but an atypical secondary response. Other recent results suggest that the typical eutherian isotype switch from immunoglobulin M to Immunoglobulin G is lacking in this species. Further studies will compare Monodelphis immune responses with the mouse, a typical eutherian organism. In collaboration with other laboratories, molecular approaches will be used to study the major histocompatibility system and the T cell receptor. This research will continue to involve bright, young undergraduate students. %%% The mammalian immune system is the subject of much research in the context of human health, and much is known about immune function in the mouse and man. In contrast, very little is known about the analogous mechanisms of self recognition and defense in other animals. The overall objective of this project is to characterize the immune response of the marsupial, Monodelphis domestica, the gray, short-tailed opossum. This species is the only laboratory- adapted marsupial in America. Because marsupials separated from eutherian mammals about 130 million years ago, knowledge of their immune system may shed light on the origin of the mammalian immune system. Studies will be carried out at the cellular and biochemical levels and molecular immunobiologic studies will be initiated. With prior NSF support it has been found that Monodelphis exhibits a typical primary immune response. Further studies will compare Monodelphis immune responses with the mouse, a typical eutherian mammal. In collaboration with other laboratories molecular approaches will be used to identify MHC genes, and study the T cell receptor. This research will continue to involve bright, young undergraduate students. ***