Immune Responses in Amphibians against a Skin Fungus Linked to Global Amphibian Declines

两栖动物对一种皮肤真菌的免疫反应与全球两栖动物数量下降有关摘要两栖动物（青蛙、蟾蜍和蝾螈）是许多水生和陆地生态系统的重要组成部分。它们在蝌蚪时期以藻类和植物为食，成年后以许多昆虫为食，并成为鸟类和哺乳动物等其他动物的食物。目前，由于一种新的皮肤真菌，世界各地的两栖动物数量正在减少。该项目将研究两栖动物对这种皮肤真菌的免疫反应，使用最先进的分子和细胞分析。两栖动物是否能产生抗体反应或其他免疫细胞介导的反应将被确定。该项目将评估对真菌具有高抗性和低抗性的物种的免疫反应。将努力制定一项免疫方案（疫苗接种战略），以保护圈养的濒危两栖动物。预计可以诱导两栖动物产生免疫反应，以保护它们免受野外自然感染。这可能会允许重新引入目前被圈养在动物园和水族馆的濒危物种。该项目将为本科生和研究生提供培训。它有可能扩大我们对两栖动物免疫力的理解。整个项目将加强与一个国际科学家小组的合作，解决全球两栖动物数量下降的问题，并支持两栖动物的保护工作。

Louise A. Rollins-SmithProposal # IOS- 0843207Immune Responses in Amphibians against a Skin Fungus Linked to Global Amphibian DeclinesABSTRACTAmphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders) are an essential part of many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They consume algae and plants as tadpoles, consume many insects as adults, and become food for other animals such as birds and mammals. Currently, amphibians are declining around the world due to a new skin fungus. This project will investigate the immune responses of amphibians against this skin fungus using state-of-the art molecular and cellular assays. Whether amphibians can develop antibody responses or other immune cell-mediated responses will be determined. The project will evaluate immune responses in species that have high and low resistance to the fungus. Efforts will be made to develop an immunization protocol (vaccination strategy) to protect endangered amphibians in captivity. It is expected that amphibians can be induced to develop an immune response that may protect them from natural infection in the wild. This may allow for the reintroduction of endangered species that are currently held in captivity in zoos and aquariums. The project will provide training for students at the undergraduate and graduate school levels. It has the potential to expand our understanding of amphibian immunity in general. The overall project will enhance ongoing partnerships with an international group of scientists addressing the problem of global amphibian declines and support amphibian conservation efforts.