Project Number: 3625-32000-094-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 01, 2007
End Date: Sep 30, 2011

Objective:
Develop proteomic profiles of immune cells during the acute and chronic stages of mastitis and under different physiologic conditions known to be associated with immune suppression, such as parturition or nutritional imbalances. Identify proteins that are up- or down-regulated during these immunosuppressive states. Initiate studies into the function of these differentially regulated proteins. Develop proteome profiles of mastitis-causing bacteria isolated from in vivo conditions and in bacteria grown in vitro or in lab counterparts that are not considered highly virulent. Identify proteins that are up- or down-regulated across bacteria studied in each ecological state and initiate studies into the role these differentially regulated proteins play in the establishment of chronic infection of the mammary gland. Studies of immunomodulators to test their effectiveness at preventing disease by imposing them on a controlled reproducible mastitis challenge model. In the course of these studies we will discover and develop immunological reagents for the bovine and relevant wildlife animal species that will facilitate the discovery of innovative immunointervention strategies.

Approach:
The approach to this research project is through experimentation discover new insights into the mechanisms of how the bovine dairy cow immune system fights diseases. Failure of the dairy cow immune system results in numerous diseases, of which mastitis is the predominate disease resulting in an economic burden to the industry. Our research will investigate the host immune system – pathogen interaction with the goal of enhancing immune function. To accomplish this goal we will study how immune system functions are affected by nutritional status. We will also study a newly described immune system function in the context of the dairy cow. In addition, we will investigate how pathogenic bacteria adapt to the in vivo environment and escape immune clearance. Finally, we will add to the large animal immunological reagent toolbox, to aid in study of immunological questions in dairy animals for the entire research community. IBC-0265 - BSL-Exempt; recertified 8/3/10; IBC-0270 - BSL-2 and BSL-2N; Approved 5/14/11; IBC-0227 - BSL-2 Exempt, recertified 10/17/10; IBC-0305 - BSL-1, Approved 6/11/11; IBC-0344 - BSL-2 Exempt, Approved 5/16/11.