current studies
In 2008, Morris Animal Foundation will fund about 120 new and continuing studies for dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas, and wildlife as well as 30 veterinary student projects.
We also have numerous studies nearing completion. You can search our current study database by species and/or disease to learn more about the studies we are funding in the areas you care most about. The results will also show you whether a study is available for sponsorship.
INSTRUCTIONS - Select a division from the left column, a disease or disorder from the middle column, and a study ID number from the right column.
D07EQ-638: “Enhancing Dendritic Cell Responses to Rhodococcus equi”
principal investigator: Jamie Getz, Veterinary Student Scholar, Washington State University
needs sponsorship
year: 1 of 1: $5,000.00
Rhodococcus equi is a devastating bacterial pathogen that causes severe lung infections in foals. Traditional vaccination has not effectively protected young horses against this often fatal disease. This project will investigate the components needed to enhance the immune response in foals to provide protective immunity. The student will examine dendritic cells and antibodies, which have previously been shown to contribute to immune protection against R. equi. Researchers hypothesize that a foal may be able to passively acquire antibodies against R. equi from its mother if the mare is immunized against the disease. This project has the potential to provide a better understanding of how the neonatal immune system recognizes and suppresses the growth of R. equi, possibly leading to the development of a successful vaccine.
