In response to a viral antigen, the immune system produces epitope-specific T-cells. The majority become cytotoxic T-cells that clear the virus, while a small population remains in memory form to protect against future infections. To determine if multiple, simultaneous infections compromise this protection, mice were immunized with either a single or combination of viruses, then immuno-protection levels were analyzed after a single virus rechallenge by viral titer, viral epitope frequency, and animal weight loss. The results indicate that when immunized against the rechallenge virus, either alone or with another virus, mice receive sufficient protection at day 5. Weight analysis showed that the protection may be dependent upon the viruses used for vaccinations and rechallenge infections.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Kenney, Laurie Lea

Contributors

• Selin, Liisa

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042606-143357

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2006

Sponsor

• University of Massachusetts Medical School

Date created

• 2006-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-10-06