Location

Comstock Memorial Union, MSUM

Document Type

Poster

Event Website

https://www.mnstate.edu/sac/

Description

Aspergillus fumigatus is a commonly inhaled, respiratory fungal pathogen and an allergen found in flooded indoor environments, household dust, soil, and plant matter. While a competent immune system effectively clears the inhaled fungus, this same fungus poses a significant threat to weakened immune systems due to its potential to invade the lungs, bloodstream and brain tissue. The mouse genome is 99% similar to the human genome and can serve effectively model the effects of inhaled A. fumigatus (Guénet, 2005). Antibodies play a crucial role in neutralizing pathogens and in mediating an allergic response. In this study, we will investigate the IgA response against A. fumigatus. In particular, we are investigating if TLR7 enzyme deficiency in mice can influence IgA production after inhalational exposure to A. fumigatus, in a gender specific manner. Based on preliminary studies, we hypothesize that TLR7 presence is critical for enhanced IgA production against A. fumigatus, in female but not the male mice. Results from such studies will inform the design of treatment and diagnostic options for humans, against A. fumigatus.

Comments

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FVFnJaxQyziOoCWCnPTzxppAlWMfUdcN/edit#slide=id.p1

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Investigating Differences in IgA Antibody Response against Aspergillus fumigatus in wild type and TLR7 protein deficient mice

Comstock Memorial Union, MSUM

Aspergillus fumigatus is a commonly inhaled, respiratory fungal pathogen and an allergen found in flooded indoor environments, household dust, soil, and plant matter. While a competent immune system effectively clears the inhaled fungus, this same fungus poses a significant threat to weakened immune systems due to its potential to invade the lungs, bloodstream and brain tissue. The mouse genome is 99% similar to the human genome and can serve effectively model the effects of inhaled A. fumigatus (Guénet, 2005). Antibodies play a crucial role in neutralizing pathogens and in mediating an allergic response. In this study, we will investigate the IgA response against A. fumigatus. In particular, we are investigating if TLR7 enzyme deficiency in mice can influence IgA production after inhalational exposure to A. fumigatus, in a gender specific manner. Based on preliminary studies, we hypothesize that TLR7 presence is critical for enhanced IgA production against A. fumigatus, in female but not the male mice. Results from such studies will inform the design of treatment and diagnostic options for humans, against A. fumigatus.

https://red.mnstate.edu/sac/2023/cshe/4