A critical aspect of the program project proposal includes the in vivo analysis of dendritic cell function inspecifically genetically engineered strains of mice. Two general types of mouse strains will be routinelyutilized - those severely immunocompromised, the result of specific gene deletions in immune functions andautoimmune strains of mice that are hyper-responsive to a variety of antigen stimuli. The goals of theprogram project grant involve the manipulation of these animals to determine the role of innate DC subsetsin maintaining tolerance and the pathways that are involved in that vital function. The generation andmaintenance of these strains will be the function of the animal services core, headed by Dr. Jeffrey Ravetch.The purpose of this core will be to provide segregated facilities for the housing and breeding of the animalstrains proposed in this program project. To support that function, the Director of LARC, Mr. Fred Quimby,has agreed to work with the program project investigators to implement the level of animal husbandrynecessary. A full-time animal technician dedicated to this purpose will be required to provide the additionalcare these animals require, including bi-weekly bedding changes, prophylactic antibiotic treatment and thesterilization of all cages, bedding and food. This cost, along with the per diem established by the LARC forstandard animal care, will cover the additional services required.
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