# IMMUNOCHEMISTRY OF A POLYGENE SYSTEM

> **NIH NIH R01** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 1989 · $295,306

## Abstract

This proposal looks at the immunological and molecular mechanism whereby
trypanosomes evade the humoral immune response of their human host.
Biochemical, Physical, Electron Microscope Image Reconstruction and Other
Computer Techniques are used to elucidate the probable folding structure
differences in variant specific glycoproteins (VSG) which could be
responsible for antigenic variation at the molecular level.  Thus work is
co-ordinated with x-ray crystallographic studies on VSG structure being
carried out elsewhere.  The expression of VSG and other trypanosome
structural genes involves a step not hitherto seen in other eukaryotes,
wherby small RNA transcripts are spliced into trypansome mRNA.  The nature
of this mechanism at the molecular level is under investigation using
recombinant DNA techniques.  The control of VSG gene and other structural
gene expression remains unknown in these parasites.  We will set up a
transformation system in trypanosomes in order to study gene expression.
We are making functional trypansome mutants by selective and dominant
marker genetic engineering techniques to serve as selection systems.  The
long-term aim is to understand the interaction of the host's immune system
with the parasite, so that eventually the balance can be swung in favor of
the host.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3124434
- **Project number:** 5R01AI008614-22
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FL6GV84CKN57
- **Principal Investigator:** FRANK F RICHARDS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $295,306
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1976-05-01 → 1991-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3124434

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3124434, IMMUNOCHEMISTRY OF A POLYGENE SYSTEM (5R01AI008614-22). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3124434. Licensed CC0.

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