| The objective of this proposed research project is to study the immune responses relevant to control of Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) pneumonia (PCP) using a murine model. The primary initial hypothesis is that intranasal immunization with specific Pc antigens will protect even immunocompromised hosts against PCP. The proposed thesis research program will first test whether induction of specific mucosal and/or systemic immune responses to Pc antigens confers protection against PCP after CD-4 cell depletion or dexamethasone immunosuppression. The cellular and humoral immune mechanisms activated by several types of mucosal adjuvants including cholera toxin and Escherichia coli Labile toxin will be determined. Immunodominant Pc antigens associated with protection will be identified by Western blot analysis and protection studies, using passive transfer and immune stimulation. In addition, the immune responses induced after immunization, convalescence, and natural experimental infection will be analyzed. These studies will provide a better understanding of immune responses induced against opportunistic infections and the feasibility of immuneprotection for immunosuppressed hosts. |
