The intestinal and peripheral plasma cell antibody repertoire in mice

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Hedda Wardemann
• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2009 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 144550158

IgA is the dominant antibody isotype in mice and humans and is secreted in large amounts by plasma cells (PCs) at mucosal surfaces. IgA+ PCs are also present in the bone marrow but the origin and function of peripheral vs. mucosal IgA+ PCs has not been determined and little is known about the characteristics of the intestinal IgA+ PC repertoire as compared to peripheral IgA+ and IgG+ PCs. The overall goal of our research is to define the lifespan, Ig gene repertoire and antibody reactivity profile of intestinal IgA+ PCs as compared to bone marrow IgA+ PCs and peripheral IgG+ PCs and the role of the intestinal microflora in shaping the intestinal IgA+ PC repertoire. We will address this question by cloning and in vitro expression of antibodies from single isolated PC from mucosa, bone marrow and spleen of normal and germ-free mice. Our research will provide important basic information on the characteristics of the intestinal and peripheral IgA+ PC repertoire in mice.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants