The investigator proposes to test the hypothesis that binding of CD40L on activated T cells to CD40+ on infected epithelial cells contributes to immunity against Cryptosporidium parvum (Cp) in the biliary tree and the intestine. The investigator proposes to investigate the mechanisms by which CD40-CD40L interactions contribute to Cp immunity by determining whether: 1. CD40L is required for the afferent or efferent limb of Cp specific immunity by transfers of Cp immune and non-immune cells into Cp infected MHC matched knockout recipients. 2. The intact genes for gamma-IFN, TNFR, and/or IL 12 are required for sclerosis of bile ducts in Cp infected mice. 3. The synthesis of Bcl-series proteins is inhibited on a cell-specific basis by Cp infection. If the investigator shows that Cp can be eliminated from the biliary tree by non-specific as well as specific T-cell mediated responses, a subsequent clinical study in AIDS patients, using discriminant analysis, would be planned.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01AI040870-01A2
Application #
2712314
Study Section
AIDS and Related Research Study Section 5 (ARRE)
Project Start
1998-07-01
Project End
2001-06-30
Budget Start
1998-07-01
Budget End
1999-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Colorado Denver
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
065391526
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045