# MYCOPLASMA SUPERANTIGEN MAM IN DISEASE AND AUTOIMMUNITY

> **NIH NIH R01** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 1992 · $255,997

## Abstract

DESCRIPTION (Adapted from the applicant's abstract):  The overall long term
objectives are to define the mechanisms by which a mycoplasmal
superantigen, MAM, which is derived from Mycoplasma arthritidis, activates
lymphocytes and to determine the role of MAM in chronic mycoplasmal disease
and in induction of autoimmunity.  The specific aims are to study MAM in
respect to:  1) Characterization of MAM and its structural and functional
relationship with other superantigens:  a. to obtain the amino acid
sequence of the entire MAM molecule by molecular cloning and to search for
sequence homologies with other known proteins to gain insight into the
function of MAM and distribution of MAM-like molecules; b. to compare the
structure and function of MAM to the Gram positive toxin super-antigens and
the M1s self antigens; c. to further define the interaction of MAM with MHC
and V beta TCR molecules; d. to obtain expression of MAM in an appropriate
host in order to facilitate preparation and increase yields of homogeneous
MAM.  2) To develop MAM as a model for microbial-induced modulation of
autoimmune diseases using type II collagen-induced arthritis of mice and
rats.  3) To determine the role of MAM in Mycoplasma arthritidis-induced
arthritis in respect to:  a. effect of MAM on acute disease mediated by M.
arthritidis; b. effect of fetal or neonatal exposure to M. arthritidis on
the T cell repertoire; c. Is chronic arthritis due to a restricted V beta
TCR-bearing T cell subset?  d. Do MAM or other superantigens play a role in
disease chronicity and disease flare ups?

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3125113
- **Project number:** 5R01AI012103-15
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LL8GLEVH6MG3
- **Principal Investigator:** BARRY C COLE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $255,997
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1978-03-01 → 1996-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3125113

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3125113, MYCOPLASMA SUPERANTIGEN MAM IN DISEASE AND AUTOIMMUNITY (5R01AI012103-15). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3125113. Licensed CC0.

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