MD TP30: Increase of B-cell activity/ IgG levels of immunosuppressed mice after vaccination

Aim of the project is to increase the efficacy of vaccinations in immunosuppressed mice. Previous projects have indicated that 2 compounds increase B cell proliferation, plasma cell differentiation and levels of specific IgG. Our in vitro experiments have shown that neither of the substances have a significant effect on neutrophil activation or T cell proliferation.  This led to the conclusion that the compounds do not cause an overall overreacting immune response and have an exclusive effect on the B cell activity. Thus, we were able to continue the project in vivo. The mouse model consists of three steps:

1.    Establishing a mouse model regarding B-cell activity/ IgG levels of immunosuppressed mice after vaccination
In this step we would like to show that the efficacy of vaccinations is reduced due to immunosuppression of the mice.

2.    Administration of one or both compounds
In step 2 we would like to show that the administration of either one or both compounds increase the B cell activity and thus the levels of specific IgG.

3.    Challenging the vaccinated mice
In the course of the last step we will challenge our mice according to their vaccination. Here we would like to underline our statement and not only show elevated levels of specific IgG, but prove that the efficacy of vaccinations in immunosuppressed mice is significantly higher after administration of one or both compounds.