Animal models, such as FIV, are critical to understanding the mechanism of HIV-induced immunodeficiency. The model can be used to dissect the molecular basis of lentivirus-associated immunodeficiency. Preliminary work by the candidate has shown that FIV, like HIV, induces an early and profound deficiency in IL-12 expression, which is associated with susceptibility to T. gondii. What is not yet known is whether this deficiency results from a direct effect of FIV, or whether the virus suppresses critical IL-12 priming cytokines such as TNF(alpha) or IFN(gamma). This application proposes to identify the sequence of protective Type one cytokine suppression. The candidate will also test the hypothesis that exogenous IL-12 administration will reconstitute the cell-mediated immune response, and protect FIV-infected cats from T. gondii challenge. As a veterinary internist and immunologist, Dr. Levy is committed to a career as a clinical investigator in an academic institution. The Co-sponsors of this candidate are authorities in feline retroviral research. The laboratories in which the candidate is engaged are capable of providing the space, equipment, animal facilities, and support staff required for successful completion of the application.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
1K01RR000124-01
Application #
2039908
Study Section
National Center for Research Resources Initial Review Group (RIRG)
Project Start
1997-04-15
Project End
1997-07-31
Budget Start
1997-04-15
Budget End
1997-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
City
Raleigh
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27695
Baxter, K J; Levy, J K; Edinboro, C H et al. (2012) Renal disease in cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus. J Vet Intern Med 26:238-43
Levy, Julie K (2011) Contraceptive vaccines for the humane control of community cat populations. Am J Reprod Immunol 66:63-70
Levy, Julie K; Liang, Yinghua; Ritchey, Jerry W et al. (2004) Failure of FIV-infected cats to control Toxoplasma gondii correlates with reduced IL2, IL6, and IL12 and elevated IL10 expression by lymph node T cells. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 98:101-11
Levy, Julie K; Miller, Lowell A; Cynda Crawford, P et al. (2004) GnRH immunocontraception of male cats. Theriogenology 62:1116-30
Crawford, P C; Papadi, G P; Levy, J K et al. (2001) Tissue dynamics of CD8 lymphocytes that suppress viral replication in cats infected neonatally with feline immunodeficiency virus. J Infect Dis 184:671-81
Ritchey, J W; Levy, J K; Bliss, S K et al. (2001) Constitutive expression of types 1 and 2 cytokines by alveolar macrophages from feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 79:83-100
Dickel, L; Boal, J G; Budelmann, B U (2000) The effect of early experience on learning and memory in cuttlefish. Dev Psychobiol 36:101-10
Orandle, M S; Crawford, P C; Levy, J K et al. (2000) CD8+ thymic lymphocytes express reduced levels of CD8beta and increased interferon gamma in cats perinatally infected with the JSY3 molecular clone of feline immunodeficiency virus. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 16:1559-71
Liang, Y; Hudson, L C; Levy, J K et al. (2000) T cells overexpressing interferon-gamma and interleukin-10 are found in both the thymus and secondary lymphoid tissues of feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats. J Infect Dis 181:564-75
Levy, J K; Ritchey, J W; Rottman, J B et al. (1998) Elevated interleukin-10-to-interleukin-12 ratio in feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats predicts loss of type 1 immunity to Toxoplasma gondii. J Infect Dis 178:503-11