Project Number: 1235-51000-055-09
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Feb 26, 2010
End Date: Oct 31, 2014

Objective:
ARS is interested in determining the impact of health-promoting components in foods including those containing probiotic bacteria, and how allergens and infections alter intestinal immunity and physiology. Our project plan has two objectives that directly relate to this agreement: Objective 2: To elucidate the mechanisms used by probiotic bacteria to improve respiratory and intestinal mucosal responses to allergens, and correlate intestinal microflora composition of pigs and humans with biomarkers of allergic and intestinal disease, and Objective 3: To elucidate the mechanisms by which micronutrients affect gut physiology and immune competence in response to food-borne illness due to viruses, bacteria, and gastrointestinal parasites. The COOPERATOR directs a laboratory that has supported ARS activities to evaluate mucosal responses to pathogens and allergens. A formal agreement to expand the interaction can facilitate the objectives of the project and support from external funds.

Approach:
Experimental mouse and swine models of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection as well as exposure to allergens will be evaluated for changes in immune and physiological responses at mucosal surfaces. This information will be used by both ARS and the COOPERATOR to jointly develop new research studies that focus on the evaluation of dietary and probiotic intervention to prevent the onset of inflammation and dysfunction, and enhance healthy mucosal surfaces.