The grant proposes to develop and validate a new assay for the identification of recent thymic emigrants. The assay is based upon a recent publication by Kong (Immunity 98) describing the detection of recently rearranged TCR DNA by the molecular identification of DNA deletion circles in chickens. The assay will be developed for human cells using the SCID-hu Thy/Li murine model. In addition, the authors plan to perform DNA excision circle analysis on T cells from HIV non-infected humans of varying ages and to characterize T cell subsets which are enriched for DNA deletion circles. Subsequently, the authors will attempt to monitor RTEs via DNA deletion circle positive cells in HIV infected humans at various stages of disease. Correlations with thymic mass by CT imaging in both normal and HIV infected hosts will also be made.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21AI044754-01
Application #
2802472
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG5-AARR-2 (03))
Program Officer
Finerty, John F
Project Start
1998-09-30
Project End
2000-09-29
Budget Start
1998-09-30
Budget End
1999-09-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Clinical Research Institute of Montreal
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Montreal
State
QC
Country
Canada
Zip Code
H2 1-R7