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Young foals have immature immune systems, which increases their risk of death due to bacterial infections, such as sepsis, during their first few weeks of life. Dendritic cells play a vital role in initiating and directing the immune response to bacterial infection, and they are particularly important in protecting newborn foals during their first encounter with infectious agents. Using a laboratory model of equine dendritic cells exposed to bacteria, researchers will explore key factors involved in the foal's immune response to bacterial infections. Findings from this study could help direct the development of novel preventive and therapeutic interventions that would decrease bacterial infections and associated mortality in young foals.

Study ID
D15EQ-303
Study Status
Complete
Start Date
01/01/2015
Grant amount awarded
$86,433
Grant recipient
The University of Georgia
Study country
United States
Investigator
Kelsey A. Hart, DVM, DACVIM
Study category
Immunology