# B LYMPHOCYTES:  DIFFERENTIATION AND TRIGGERING

> **NIH NIH R01** · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · 1993 · $354,581

## Abstract

Although Mls-1a has been described nearly 30 years ago as a single gene
trait that induces strong T cell proliferation in H-2 matched combinations,
the nature of this determinant has remained an enigma.  Recently, attention
has been newly focused on Mls, because of its profound effect on the
expressed TCR Vbeta repertoire and its similarity to bacterial toxins, the
superantigens.  The goal of this revised grant renewal is the biochemical
and molecular characterization of Mls-1a.  This ambitious proposal is based
on our preliminary results which, we believe, represent major breakthroughs
in two areas of Mls research; namely, i) the identification of an
experimental approach leading to the production of Mls-specific mAb, and
ii) the demonstration that Mls-1a is tightly linked to the endogenous
provirus Mtv-7.  This latter observation is exciting, because Mtv-9 is
already known to be tightly associated with a B cell specific co-tolerogen
whose product is recognized by Vbeta5.2+ T cells in the context of MHC
class II molecules.  We propose the following projects:  1) We will
stabilize our existing Mls-specific IgM mAb, and prepare new IgG2a mAb of
the same specificity by in vitro priming and boosting of the B cells.
Alternatively, we will use the IgM mAb to partially purify Mls for
immunization of rabbits.  We will analyze the tissue distribution of Mls
and the control of its expression by cytokines.  In addition, we will test
the biochemical nature of Mls.  2) We will clone the endogenous provirus
Mtv-7 to test for Mls-1a expression.  If we obtain positive results, we
will identify the proviral gene encoding Mls-1a and test whether the
endogenous MMTV proviruses constitute a gene family encoding related
immunological functions.  3) We will analyze the chromosomal segregation
and map the gene encoding the "Mls-1a-like" stimulatory activity found in
MA/MyJ mice.  4) If Mtv-7 does not encode Mls-1a, we will search for Mls-1a
in the flanking regions of this endogenous provirus.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3125927
- **Project number:** 5R01AI014910-14
- **Recipient organization:** TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- **SAM.gov UEI:** C1F5LNUF7W86
- **Principal Investigator:** Brigitte T. Huber
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $354,581
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1978-04-01 → 1994-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3125927

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3125927, B LYMPHOCYTES:  DIFFERENTIATION AND TRIGGERING (5R01AI014910-14). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3125927. Licensed CC0.

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