The present application seeks to determine the effect of viral infection on surfactant homeostasis and the role of surfactant protein-A (SP-A) in protecting the lung from viral infection. The lung is continually exposed to inhaled pathogens, yet, remains remarkably free from infection. SP-A is an abundant lung selective collectin produced by the respiratory epithelium and secreted in the airway. In vitro SP-A enhanced phagocytosis and killing of microbial pathogens. To directly determine the role of SP-A in vivo, gene targeted mice lacking SP-A (SP- A-/-) were generated. SP-A (-/-) mice are susceptible to bacterial infection. The present application tests the hypothesis that viral infection alters surfactant phospholipid and protein concentrations and SP-A protects the lung from viral infection in vivo by protecting respiratory epithelial cells from infection and enhancing phagocytosis and modulating synthesis of free radicals by alveolar macrophages. To determine the role of SP-A in lung defense, experiments will determine if SP-A protects mice in vivo from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. To determine viral clearance mechanisms modulated by SP-A, RSV phagocytosis and generation of oxygen and nitrogen radicals by alveolar macrophages will be assessed in the presence and absence of SP- A. This application will determine the role and delineate mechanisms by which SP-A provides innate immunity to prevent RSV infections. Such data may be useful in the future in designing treatment and prevention of viral pneumonia in susceptible patients. The principle investigator for this proposal has completed a fellowship in critical care medicine and is currently a Research Instructor in the Division of Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics. Throughout her training, she has demonstrated a continued interest in and ability to accomplish basic science investigation. The RCA will allow the PI to continue to develop in a research environment with many successful independent investigators focused to pulmonary basic science and clinical research. The experimental design on this proposal includes challenging but, particularly in this environment, achievable goals that will provide important knowledge to the understanding of acute lung injury and host defense of the lung.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08HL003905-03
Application #
6343301
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHL1-CSR-Y (O1))
Program Officer
Colombini-Hatch, Sandra
Project Start
1999-01-01
Project End
2003-12-31
Budget Start
2001-01-01
Budget End
2001-12-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$124,200
Indirect Cost
Name
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
071284913
City
Cincinnati
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
45229
LeVine, Ann Marie; Elliott, James; Whitsett, Jeffrey A et al. (2004) Surfactant protein-d enhances phagocytosis and pulmonary clearance of respiratory syncytial virus. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 31:193-9
Poynter, Sue E; LeVine, Ann Marie (2003) Surfactant biology and clinical application. Crit Care Clin 19:459-72
LeVine, Ann Marie; Hartshorn, Kevan; Elliott, James et al. (2002) Absence of SP-A modulates innate and adaptive defense responses to pulmonary influenza infection. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 282:L563-72
LeVine, A M; Whitsett, J A; Hartshorn, K L et al. (2001) Surfactant protein D enhances clearance of influenza A virus from the lung in vivo. J Immunol 167:5868-73
LeVine, A M; Whitsett, J A; Gwozdz, J A et al. (2000) Distinct effects of surfactant protein A or D deficiency during bacterial infection on the lung. J Immunol 165:3934-40
LeVine, A M; Gwozdz, J; Stark, J et al. (1999) Surfactant protein-A enhances respiratory syncytial virus clearance in vivo. J Clin Invest 103:1015-21