High throughput real-time PCR instrument for studies of host responses to pathogens and cancer

实时聚合酶链反应（PCR）过程允许鉴定和定量存在于动物和人类组织或引起疾病的微生物中的基因或基因转录本。我们试图深入了解致病微生物如何与宿主相互作用，它们可以在宿主中引起何种反应，以及微生物本身可能发生何种变化。重要的是，我们的研究旨在阐明微生物的致病过程，并试图通过开发有效的控制策略，如接种疫苗和增强对疾病的遗传抗性，来对抗传染病。高通量实时PCR机将使我们能够以系统和合理的方式询问与宿主-微生物相互作用相关的几种生物现象。例如，利用这一工具，我们可以确定和量化预防动物传染病（如禽流感病毒）的重要免疫学相关因素，并利用这些免疫学参数来增强疫苗效力。此外，该仪器的可用性将使我们能够检查宿主对癌症反应的潜在机制。总的来说，购置这种设备将在我们维持动物和人类健康的任务和主要努力中发挥关键作用。

The process of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allows for identification and quantification of genes or transcripts of genes present in tissues of animals and humans or in the microorganisms that cause disease. We seek to gain an in-depth understanding of how disease-causing microbes interact with their hosts, what type of responses they can elicit in their hosts and also what type of changes may occur in the microorganisms themselves. Importantly, our research aims at elucidating the disease causing processes employed by microbes and also to make an attempt to counteract infectious disease through the development of efficacious control strategies, such as vaccination and enhancement of genetic resistance to disease. A high throughput real-time PCR machine will permit us to interrogate several biological phenomena related to host-microbe interactions in a systematic and rational manner. For example, using this instrument we can identify and quantify the important immunological correlates of protection against infectious disease in animals, such as avian influenza virus, and employ these immunological parameters for enhancement of vaccine efficacy. Furthermore, the availability of this instrument will allow us to examine the underlying mechanisms of host responses to cancer. Overall, the acquisition of this equipment will play a critical role in our mandate and main endeavour to maintain health in animal and human populations.