Federico A. Zuckermann
Professor, Pathobiology
Professor, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Professional Interests: Cellular
and molecular mechanisms of T cell-mediated immunity against viral infections.
Research in my laboratory is directed at determining the factors that regulate
the differentiation of porcine memory T-cells, and establishing a relationship
between their phenotype and function. We are also involved in demonstrating the
role of specific cellular defense mechanisms in providing protection from virus
infections. Two porcine viruses being examined are pseudorabies virus (PRV) and
porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). We have determined
that infection or vaccination with PRRSV is much less efficient than PRV at stimulating
IFN- g -secreting cells (see figure). The mechanism behind this observation is
the subject of current investigation. We have also shown that the porcine CD4/CD8
double positive lymphocyte population is predominantly comprised of memory T-cells,
and is primarily responsible for the production of interferon (IFN)- g in response
to stimulation with recall viral antigens. We are currently aimed at examining
the biological significance of the dual expression of the CD4 and CD8 coreceptors
on porcine T-cell, and the role of interleukin-(IL)-12 and IFN- g in the differentiation
of virus-specific IFN- g producing lymphocytes in vivo . We are also
involved in the examination of the genetic control of IL-12 responsiveness. Since
IL-12 is known to play a central role in the development of cell-mediated immunity,
we are examining the responsiveness of porcine NK and T cells to IL-12. For this
study we have cloned and sequenced the genes coding for the porcine IL-12 receptor
b 1 and b 2 chains.
I have also participated in the first, second and third Swine Cluster of Differentiation
(CD) Workshops, which were aimed at the characterization of swine lymphocyte
antigens. So far, mAbs specific for CD45, CD45RA, CD45RC and CD8beta have been
identified by their reactivity to CHO cells transfected with the respective gene.
Since the differential expression of CD45 isoforms is known to reflect functional
differentiation, the ultimate goal of this research project is to determine whether
there is a correlation between the expression of specific cytokines and CD45
isoforms.
Selected Publications:
Schook L, Beattie C, Beever J, Donovan S, Jamison R, Zuckermann F, Niemi S, Rothschild M, Rutherford M and Smith D. 2005. Swine in biomedical research: creating the building blocks of animal models. Anim Biotechnol. 16:183-190.
Lowe JE, Husmann R, Firkins LD, Zuckermann FA, Goldberg TL. 2005. Correlation of cell-mediated immunity against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus with protection against reproductive failures in sows during outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in commercial swine herds. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 226:1707-1711.
Meier WA, Husmann RJ, Schnitzlein WM, Osorio FA, Lunney JK and Zuckermann FA. 2004. The use of cytokines and synthetic double-stranded RNA to augment the T-helper 1 immune response of swine to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 102:299-314.
Royaee AR, Husmann RJ, Dawson HD, Calzada-Nova G, Schnitzlein WM, Zuckermann FA and Lunney JK. 2004. Deciphering the involvement of innate immune factors in the development of the host responses to PRRSV vaccination. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 102:199-216.
Dawson HD, Royaee AR, Nishii S, Kuhar D, Schnitzlein WM, Zuckermann F, Urban JF and Lunney JK. 2004. Identification of Key Immune Mediators Regulating T helper 1 Responses in Swine. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 100:105-111.
Bastos RG, Dellagostin OA, Barletta RG, Doster AR, Nelson E, Zuckermann F and Osorio FA. 2004. Immune response of pigs inoculated with Mycobacterium bovis BCG expressing a truncated form of GP5 and M protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Vaccine. 22: 467-74.
Meier WA , Judy Galeota J, Osorio FA, Husmann R, Schnitzlein W and Zuckermann FA. 2003. Gradual development of the interferon - response of swine to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Virology. 309:18-31.
Osorio FA, Galeota JA, Nelson E, Brodersen B, Doster A, Wills R, Zuckermann FA and Laegreid WW. 2002. Passive Transfer of Virus -Specific Antibodies Confers Protection against Reproductive Failure Induced by a Virulent Strain of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus and Establishes Sterilizing Immunity. Virology. 302:9-20.
Foss DL, Zilliox MJ, Meier W, Zuckermann FA and Murtaugh MP. 2002. Adjuvant danger signals increase the immune response to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Viral Immunology. 15:557-66.
Muratugh MP, Xiao Z and Zuckermann FA. 2002. Immunological responses of swine to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection. Viral Immunology. 15:533-47.
