The proposed research is designed to provide important information on the cytological an biochemical bases of immune recognition and regulation in insects. Experiments are designed using specific enzyme assays, sensitive electrochemical methods and lectin binding specificities, to assess the roles of blood cells and hemolymph components in the synthesis and utilization of substrate(s), enzymes and various intermediate catecholamine derivatives that form protein-polyphenol complexes around metazoan parasites. The array of genetically variant enzyme mutants of Drosophila melanolgaster hosts, together with both susceptible and resistant strains of the wasp parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma available for the proposed study provide exceptionally suitable experimental systems for investigating not only the cell-mediated immune response that is manifested by numerous insects, but also the mechanisms of parasite-induced suppression of host defenses.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01AI024199-01A3
Application #
3136998
Study Section
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section (TMP)
Project Start
1989-04-01
Project End
1992-03-31
Budget Start
1989-04-01
Budget End
1990-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1989
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Loyola University Chicago
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60660