Murine polyomavirus, a double stranded DNA virus that causes multiple kinds of tumors, was one of the first viruses ever sequenced, and has proven to be an invaluable model in virology, cancer research, molecular biology and immunology. The purpose of this MQP was to use FACS staining to isolate viral antigen (VP1 major capsid protein)-specific B-lymphocytes using a double stain for VP1 and B220. A major portion of the project focused on designing a treatment to overcome the non-specific binding of antibodies to cell surface sialic acid residues. The enrichment of antigen-specific B cells succeeded, and these cells can be analyzed for gene expression patterns to further understand these virus-specific cells of the humoral immunity.

• 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

• Grant, David A.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042506-154040

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2006

Date created

• 2006-04-25

Location

• Zurich

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright