# IMMUNOBIOLOGY OF RAPID EXPULSION

> **NIH NIH R01** · CORNELL UNIVERSITY · 1992 · $235,298

## Abstract

The long-term objective of this proposal is the elucidation of
immunological and other mechanisms leading to helminth
rejection of killing in the gut.  Intestinal helminths cause
significant disease in man and domestic animals and are
informative probes of intestinal immune function.  In T. spiralis
infected rats, we have demonstrated that the intestine is the site
of development and expression of three distinct immune
responses-rapid expulsion (RE), adult worm rejection and anti-
newborn larvae activity.  Furthermore we have also shown that a
unique population (or subpopulations) of thoracic duct
lymphocytes present at day 3/4 post infection can adoptively
transfer both adult worm rejection, and, in conjunction with
antibody, RE (RE initiators).  In a separate system, we have
demonstrated passive transfer of intestinal anti-newborn larvae
immunity with immune serum.  The fact that protective cells are
present at day 3/4 and migrate preferentially to the gut in large
numbers is persuasive evidence that these cells are the natural
mediators of rejection.  Thus, for the first time a detailed
analysis of the phenotype, migration pattern and ultimate effects
of the natural cellular effectors of helminth rejection can be
performed.  Analysis of cell migration will be done by
radiolabelling 0X-8-OX-22-and RE(in) cells using 125
lododeoxyuridine.  We will determine whether each protective
function is a property of the same cell subset by phenotypic
analysis using a panel of mAbs cell affinity chromatography and
panning for functional testing of isolated T cell subsets.  Function
will be assessed by a combination of allogeneic cell transfers,
bone marrow transplants to irradiated T cell recipients and in
vitro studies.  Changes will be monitored by histopathological and
histochemical analysis of the gut and by worm burden.  Serum
effectors of RE and NBL larvae immunity will be defined by
fractionation of serum into lgG (and its subclasses) IgM and IgE
fractions.  In addition, experiments with RE-functional (in
neonates) monoclonal IgG1 and IgG2c antibody are planned.
Purified functional immunoglobulin will be radiolabelled (1251)
and examined for its adherence to cells in the gut prior to
challenge (to help define reactive cells) and to infectious muscle
larvae collected from the gut lumen 20-30' after challenge.  These
procedures are expected to provide new insight into functional
mechanisms of protection in the gut against the nematode T.
spiralis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3127248
- **Project number:** 5R01AI017484-11
- **Recipient organization:** CORNELL UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** G56PUALJ3KT5
- **Principal Investigator:** ROBIN G BELL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $235,298
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1981-09-30 → 1993-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3127248

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3127248, IMMUNOBIOLOGY OF RAPID EXPULSION (5R01AI017484-11). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3127248. Licensed CC0.

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