This study attempts to elucidate the relationship between the structural and immunological properties of substructures of a complex protein molecule, Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), and provide information on how the immune system recognizes and responds to such molecule. Highly purified fragments of BSA have been isolated and have been shown to be poorly immunogenic but highly immunomodulating. The individual antigenic fragments carry unique determinants not shared with other fragments. A single antigenic fragment, however, has the capacity to suppress immuno response to the entire BSA molecule which seem to indicate that the regulation of immunosuppression is not dependent on serological determinants but on some other presently unknown property of the fragment. To further characterize distinct epitopes monoclonal antibodies to defined antigenic fragments using hybridoma technology will be used. These antibodies will be a source for investigating cross-reactivity of idiotypes. We shall also attempt to clarify the relationship between idiotypic and antigenic effects and specify at which cell level epitopes or idiotypes influence immune response to BSA molecule.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI015520-07
Application #
3126224
Study Section
Allergy and Immunology Study Section (ALY)
Project Start
1979-09-15
Project End
1988-04-30
Budget Start
1986-05-01
Budget End
1987-04-30
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Cincinnati
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Cincinnati
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
45221
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