The diversity gene segments (DH) of the immunoglobulin heavy chain have been shown to be important in antigen recognition and idiotype expression. Preliminary results indicate that the somatic human DH repertoire is highly diversified probably by the contribution of numerous germ line (GL) DH genes and somatic mechanisms such as gene conversion, DH-DH fusions and utilization of the reverse complementary sequence of GL genes. Our long-term goal is to assess the actual diversity of the human DH repertoire and to elucidate the genetic mechanisms involved in the generation of diversity. We will also address the question as to whether or not the utilization of these mechanisms and expression of specific DH repertoires is developmentally regulated. In order to accomplish these goals DH-specific cDNA libraries from embryonic, neonatal and adult B cells will be analyzed. We will investigate the contribution of GL DH genes in different ways including novel approaches for the localization, cloning and sequencing of new GL DH genes.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29AI029003-04
Application #
3455433
Study Section
Allergy and Immunology Study Section (ALY)
Project Start
1989-12-01
Project End
1994-11-30
Budget Start
1992-12-01
Budget End
1993-11-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800772162
City
San Antonio
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78229