# INR (BCG) GENE:  PROBE OF HOST-PARASITE INTERACTION

> **NIH NIH R01** · MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL · 1987 · $123,373

## Abstract

We have recently described the existence of the Beg gene located on the
chromosome 1 of the murine genome which is the primary regulator of host
resistance to infection with intracellular bacterial and protozoal
parasites.  This gene controls the intrinsic antimicrobial activity of the
resident macrophages in the tissues of infected host.  Although the
mechanism of the Beg gene's action is independent of specific immune
responsiveness, the activity of the gene profoundly influences the quality
of the acquired cellular responses which develop in the course of
infection.  We have developed the experimental tools which allow us to
attempt the isolation of the Beg gene and the identification of the Beg
gene product.

Specific aims of the research proposed in this application are:

(1) To identify and clone genomic sequences encoding the Beg gene.  This
will be achieved by constructing recombinant phage genomic libraries
enriched in sequences from mouse chromosome 1 and by using the library to
identify the restriction fragment length polymorphisms in the vicinity of
the gene.

(2) To characterize the Beg gene product at subcellular and molecular
level, by analyzing the variability in the antimycobacterial activity of
the macrophages derived from pairs of mouse strains which were made
congenic for the Beg locus.  The search for the gene product will be
facilitated by the production of antibodies raised in the Beg-congenic
system.

(3) To demonstrate the mechanism(s) leading to the modulation, by the Beg
gene, of acquired cellular responses (protective versus suppressive) to
mycobacterial infection.

Long term objectives of this project are to isolate the Beg gene and its
product and to attempt the phenotypic conversion from the innate
susceptibility to the resistance.

Significance:  The research program proposed in this application will
ultimately lead to the development of methods for an identification of
genetic susceptibles in populations and to the devising strategies of their
protection from the chronic infectious diseases which still represent the
major health hazard.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128101
- **Project number:** 5R01AI018693-06
- **Recipient organization:** MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** EMIL SKAMENE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $123,373
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-04-01 → 1988-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128101

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128101, INR (BCG) GENE:  PROBE OF HOST-PARASITE INTERACTION (5R01AI018693-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128101. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*