Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium that causes acute and chronic Q fever in humans. It is an understudied category B select agent and can be transmitted via aerosol. The existing formalin-inactivated phase I whole-cell vaccine (PIV) induces serious side effects in previously sensitized individuals and no vaccine is commercially available for prevention of human Q fever in the US. Therefore, creation of a safe and effective vaccine to prevent Q fever remains an important public health and national biosecurity goal.

The goal of this project is to identify T-cell epitopes of pathogenic fungi including species in the



genera of Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Cryptococcus, and Histoplama. The subcontract site at



UTSA will conduct the proposed experiments for the identification and confirmation of



Coccidioides T cell epitopes. The newly identified T-cell epitopes can be used in an array of



basic immunological research to better understand the fungus-host interaction as well as

18-150 The goal is to send inactivated Zika virus infection of marmosets for analysis using nanotechnology. Role: Sub PI

The role of macrophage nuclear receptors in tuberculosis.

Objective: Analyze doramectin levels in serum samples from cattle treated in the field to study the interaction between a 1% doramectin product and Bm86 vaccination against fever ticks. Approach: Blood samples collected during the field study will be processed at the USDA, ARS, Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory (CFTRL) to obtain serum. ARS will provide the serum samples to The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to conduct the analysis per the one year field study as detailed below. The serum samples will be shipped to UTSA for analysis to determine doramectin levels.

Objective:

Complete concentration analysis of eprinomectin in serum obtained from blood samples collected at the USDA, ARS, Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory (CFTRL) in collaboration with the ARS scientists in support of the continuation of research studying the interaction between the Bm86 vaccine and a long-acting eprinomectin injectable formulation.

Approach:

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) of the O157:H7 serotype are notorious for the producing
 highly potent Shiga toxin. which is a direct mediator of life-threatening global human disease. In this proposal.

The goal is to Develop treatments for Zika infection during pregnancy using a marmoset model.

HIV is a major worldwide challenge that remains to be solved, and there is a continuous need to identify improved preventative and therapeutic interventions. This annual symposium provides an environment that promotes the exchange of ideas and perspectives, and fosters new collaborations, especially between junior and senior members of the research community.

The major goal is to assess the ability of Mtb-specific CD4 T cells from ART versus ART + IPT animals to active antimicrobial functions of Mtb-infected macrophages. Role: PI