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R/F-91
Mercenaria mercenaria - QPX: Immunological characterization of the host-pathogen interface
Principal Investigator:
Robert S. AndersonStart/End Year:
2000 - 2003Institution:
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental ScienceCo-Principal Investigator:
Sharon E. McGladdery, Gulf Fisheries CentreTopic(s):
Description:
QPX is an emerging disease affecting cultured M. mercenaria from Atlantic Canada to Virginia. The major objective is to understand the hosts' defense responses to QPX. Specifically, a suite of hemocytic and serum-dependent immune mechanisms will be quantified and evaluated with regard to resistance to this protistan parasite. Parameters of immunity involved with non-self recognition, inhibition of replication, and killing of QPX organisms by circulating blood cells and serum macromolecules will be measured.
Related Publications:
Anderson, RS; Kraus, BS; McGladdery, S; Smolowitz, R. 2003. QPX, a pathogen of quahogs (hard clams), employs mucoid secretions to resist host antimicrobial agents. Journal of Shellfish Research22(1):205 -208. UM-SG-RS-2003-14.
Anderson, RS; Kraus, BS; McGladdery, SE; Reece, KS; Stokes, NA. 2003. A thraustochytrid protist isolated from Mercenaria mercenaria: molecular characterization and host defense responses. Fish & Shellfish Immunology15(3):183 -194. doi:10.1016/S1050-4648(02)00157-2. UM-SG-RS-2003-10.
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Featured Fellow
Leone Yisrael is a cephalopod-loving scuba diver, cook, and loves to try new activities. She conducts genetic analysis and fieldwork at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center through the Coastal Disease Ecology Lab.
Featured Research Project
Developing a habitat model for mysids, an important link in Chesapeake Bay food webs
Mysids are important mesozooplankton prey for many species of fish in Chesapeake Bay and are an important link in transferring energy from lower to upper trophic levels. Mysids also serve as biological vectors for benthic-pelagic coupling due to their diel vertical migration and omnivorous prey-switching behavior, which makes mysids important regulators of food web architecture. Despite their central role in coastal food webs, surprisingly little is known about mysid ecology and dynamics in Chesapeake Bay.
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