This proposal requests funds to permit Ms. Varee Prasertsiriroj, Scientist (on leave of absence for study), Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, to pursue, for a period of 12 months, dissertation research in microbiology and immunology, relevant to development of Thailand, under the direction of Dr. Donald G. Dusanic, Professor, Department of Life Sciences, Indiana State University. The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize important parasite antigens circulating in the plasma of rats infected with Trypanosoma lewisi, a protozoan parasite. These circulating antigens may have a role in immunosuppression or immunoprotection. Attempts will be made to (1) purify these antigens by affinity chromatography using monoclonal antibodies., (2) define them physically and biochemically, and (3) determine their roles in immunity. Parasitic protozoa are a major cause of the infectious diseases which affect man and livestock. They play an important role in limiting the social and economic development of many countries, especially in tropical regions. The research will provide an opportunity to study mechanisms of control of parasitic infections and, therefore, will contribute to development of tropical countries such as Thailand. Dr. Dusanic is a highly respected scientist in the field of this proposal, and he has produced an impressive number of well placed graduates, in the United States and abroad, in the field of parasitology. This project is relevant to the objectives of the Science in Developing Countries Program which seeks to increase the level of cooperation between U.S. scientists and engineers and their counterparts in developing countries through the exchange of scientific information, ideas, skills, and techniques and through collaboration on problems of mutual benefit.
