Abstract

This study will employ an experimental design to determine if the in viva generation of antigen-specific memory CDS+ T-cells in response to an acute viral infection is altered in pregnancy. Lymphocyticchoriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in mice will serve as the experimental model. Analysis will include comparing the frequencies of antigen-specific CD percent memory T-cells generated in mice infected with LCMV in early pregnancy (day 7 of gestation) with nonpregnant mice infected at the same time. Genetically identical S-10 week old female C57BL/6 mice will be randomly assigned to the experimental (N=50) and control (N=50) group. The experimental group will be impregnated, then both groups infected with LCMV (Armstrong strain) and allowed to clear the virus. Antigen-specific memory CD8+ T-cells will be enumerated by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I tetramer staining for the three immunodominant epitopes."""""""" Functional capability of the cells will be evaluated using intracellular cytokine (ICC) staining for the presence of interferon-gamma (IFNy) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) in response to stimulation with cognate peptide as well as plaque assays to assess clearance of the virus. This study will produce data to determine if there is a difference in the generation of antigen specific memory CD8+ T-cells to an acute viral infection in pregnant mice.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31NR007924-01
Application #
6445088
Study Section
National Institute of Nursing Research Initial Review Group (NRRC)
Program Officer
Bryan, Yvonne E
Project Start
2001-09-17
Project End
Budget Start
2001-09-17
Budget End
2002-09-16
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$43,190
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
Emory University
Department
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
042250712
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322

  Publications

Constantin, Carolyn M; Masopust, David; Gourley, Tania et al. (2007) Normal establishment of virus-specific memory CD8 T cell pool following primary infection during pregnancy. J Immunol 179:4383-9
Constantin, Carolyn M; Martinelli, Angela M; Foster, Stanley O et al. (2003) Smallpox: a disease of the past? Consideration for midwives. J Midwifery Womens Health 48:258-67, 302-4
Constantin, Carolyn M; Martinelli, Angela M; Bonney, Elizabeth A et al. (2003) Smallpox: an update for nurses. Biol Res Nurs 4:282-94
Constantin, Carolyn M; Bonney, Elizabeth E; Altman, John D et al. (2002) Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) tetramer technology: an evaluation. Biol Res Nurs 4:115-27