Project Description: A major obstacle to disease control in cattle, chickens, pigs, horses and fish is the lack of sufficient immunological reagents. The goal of the US-VIRN is to generate monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that identify the major leukocyte subpopulations (T and B lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils), antibody classes and produce bioactive recombinant cytokines and chemokines as well as antibodies to them and their receptors for these species. These reagents will be used to: (1) evaluate changes during disease and following vaccination and (2) give scientests the ability to manipulate immune system cells to ascertain their roles in protective immunity as well as in immunopathology. Development of the above reagents will address the USDA-CSREES goal of enhancing the safety of the Nation's agriculture and food supply by aiding in the development of vaccines. Products developed will benefit a large group of researchers, including veterinary clinicians, immunologists, pathologists, and microbiologists.

Project Funding
USDA NIFA #2010-65121-20649
Peter Johnson, DVM, Ph.D. , Co-Director
pjohnson@nifa.usda.gov

Margo Holland, DVM, Ph.D. , Co-Director
mholland@nifa.usda.gov

http://www.nifa.usda.gov