Identification of Immune Subsets that Contribute to IFNgamma-Dependent Protection against S. Typhimurium In Vivo

Salmonellosis is a food-borne zoonosis with important medical and veterinary implications. Continued reduction of antibiotic usage in livestock is a priority and the development of more efficacious vaccines is an appropriate and sustainable method of control. Rational vaccine design requires a thorough understanding of the immune cell types and immune mechanisms that operate against Salmonella infection in vivo. Interferon gamma is important in the anti-salmonella response but the cellular source(s) of effective IFNgamma remain unknown. <P>
This proposal will identify the relative contribution of different cell types to the IFNgamma- dependent effector response that operate at different phases of primary and challenge infections.