MAIDS is a retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency syndrome of mice characterized by progressive lymphoproliferation and immunodeficiency. The disease is dependent on expression in genetically susceptible mice of an unusual Gag protein encoded by a murine leukemia virus. Induction and progression of disease are dependent on interactions of T cells and B cells with B cells being the primary target of infection. The current studies are focused on the characteristics of B cells needed to induce disease. For this pupose, we studied mice deficient in expression of signaling molecules that facilitate (CD19, Vav) or inhibit (CD22) normal B cell activation. These studies showed that CD19 and Vav-deficient mice were markedly impaired in development of MAIDS due to decreased replication of the causative virus. In contrast, CD22-deficient mice exhibited increased sensitivity. B cells are not thus passive vessels for expression of the MAIDS defective virus, but require activation for participation in disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01AI000465-16
Application #
6506839
Study Section
(LIP)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
16
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Niaid Extramural Activities
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code