Abstract

The cell-mediated immune responses are of primary importance in immunity to histoplasmosis, but the relative contribution of macrophages and different lymphocyte subpopulations in the expression of anti-Histoplasma immunity is not clearly defined.
Our aim i n the proposed research is to study the natural and immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity to yeast cells of H. capsulatum using mice immunized with ribosomes and by sublethal infection with yeast cells of the organism. The proposed research involves the study of the relative roles of different lymphocyte subpopulations and macrophages in the cytotoxic activity to H. capsulatum. The experimental procedures will include characterization of macrophage and lymphocyte subpopulations, natural cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent and T cell-mediated cytotoxicity to Histoplasma. The interactions between lymphocytes, macrophages and Histoplasma will also be studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy in an attempt to determine any alterations in the morphological characteristics of these cells. It is anticipated that the information obtained from the proposed study will enhance our understanding of the mechanism of immunity to histoplasmosis.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI022283-02
Application #
3133234
Study Section
Bacteriology and Mycology Subcommittee 1 (BM)
Project Start
1986-09-01
Project End
1989-08-31
Budget Start
1987-09-01
Budget End
1988-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Springfield
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
62794

  Publications

Zhou, P; Sieve, M C; Tewari, R P et al. (1997) Interleukin-12 modulates the protective immune response in SCID mice infected with Histoplasma capsulatum. Infect Immun 65:936-42
Singh, K B; Mahajan, D K; Tewari, R P (1996) Hormonal modulation of the vaginal bacterial flora in experimental polycystic ovarian disease. J Clin Lab Anal 10:233-8
Williams, B J; Connolly-Stringfield, P; Bartlett, M et al. (1991) Correlation of Histoplasma capsulatum polysaccharide antigen with the severity of infection in murine histoplasmosis. J Clin Lab Anal 5:121-6
Raman, C; Khardori, N; Von Behren, L A et al. (1990) Evaluation of an ELISA for the detection of anti-Histoplasma ribosomal and antihistoplasmin antibodies in histoplasmosis. J Clin Lab Anal 4:199-207
Kamel, S M; Wheat, L J; Garten, M L et al. (1989) Production and characterization of murine monoclonal antibodies to Histoplasma capsulatum yeast cell antigens. Infect Immun 57:896-901