: It is our hypothesis that UHB-flanked genes contribute to immune evasion in the Lyme disease spirochetes (LDS). Previous studies of the closely related ospE gene family have demonstrated that genetic polymorphisms develop during infection in mice and that these OspE variants are antigenically distinct. To address our hypothesis, the genetic stability of the ospF and Family 163 genes during infection in mice will be analyzed by infecting mice with an isogenic population of spirochetes of known genetic composition. Isogenic clones will be recovered three months post-infection and their UHB-flanked genes will be analyzed using a combination of PCR and DNA sequencing approaches. The temporal pattern and specificity of the humoral immune response to variant proteins will be assessed using sera collected from mice during the course of infection. These studies will increase our understanding of the mechanisms utilized by LDS to maintain chronic infection, which can lead to neuroborreliosis, and maintain populations in their animal reservoirs.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31NS043088-01
Application #
6445320
Study Section
Bacteriology and Mycology Subcommittee 2 (BM)
Program Officer
Kerza-Kwiatecki, a P
Project Start
2001-12-25
Project End
2003-12-24
Budget Start
2001-12-25
Budget End
2002-12-24
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$33,596
Indirect Cost
Name
Virginia Commonwealth University
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Richmond
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
23298