The scientific goal of this proposal is to elaborate on the specificity, uniqueness, and functional significance of an Fc-receptor for IgG on the human fetal intestinal surface, a potential entry site for antibodies and antigens into the human fetus. This receptor will be purified and characterized and the gene coding for this receptor will be cloned and related to other well-characterized Fc-R's responsible for immunity transfer and/or antigen presentation. The influence of known maturational agents on the expression of this receptor will be examined to gain insight into their potential role in modulating or preventing disease related to immaturity of the transfer process, and more generally, to immaturity of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08HD000938-04
Application #
2194402
Study Section
Maternal and Child Health Research Committee (HDMC)
Project Start
1991-01-22
Project End
1995-12-31
Budget Start
1994-01-01
Budget End
1994-12-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199
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Israel, E J; Taylor, S; Wu, Z et al. (1997) Expression of the neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, on human intestinal epithelial cells. Immunology 92:69-74
Israel, E J; Wilsker, D F; Hayes, K C et al. (1996) Increased clearance of IgG in mice that lack beta 2-microglobulin: possible protective role of FcRn. Immunology 89:573-8
Israel, E J; Patel, V K; Taylor, S F et al. (1995) Requirement for a beta 2-microglobulin-associated Fc receptor for acquisition of maternal IgG by fetal and neonatal mice. J Immunol 154:6246-51
Schiffrin, E J; Carter, E A; Walker, W A et al. (1993) Influence of prenatal corticosteroids on bacterial colonization in the newborn rat. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 17:271-5