Research Grants & Contracts - Featured

Protective Humoral Immunity to Influenza Infection

The extrafollicular (EF) B cell response generates virus-specific IgM, IgG and IgA in the airway lumen and local lymph nodes as early as 72h after influenza virus infection, correlating temporally with virus clearance. EF responses are distinct in kinetics, function and signaling requirements from the slower germinal center responses. EF B cell responses habe been largely dismissed as significant in pathogen-induced immunity, as they are though to generate only short-lived plasma cells and low affinity antibodies.

A diazotrophic microbiome associated with maize reduces dependence on N fertilization

Plants grow in close association with microbial communities that influence plant traits related to nutrient acquisition, plant defense, plant morphology and abiotic stress tolerance. The co-evolution between plants and their associated microbial communities enables plants to produce an immune system-like response as well as provide nutrients and minerals for plant growth and health.

Adverse Metabolic Effects Of Dietary Sugar: Ad Libitum vs Energy-Balanced Diets

Recent studies have demonstrated that consuming high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)- or sucrose-sweetened beverages increased lipid/lipoprotein risk factors for CVD in healthy adults compared with iso-caloric amounts of glucose or low-fat milk. The longest of these studies, which utilized a 6-month intervention, also showed increased liver and muscle TG and increased visceral adipose deposition.

Emerging Pandemic Threats Program 2 PREDICT-2

PREDICT enables global surveillance of pathogens that can spillover from animal hosts to people by building capacities to detect and discover viruses of pandemic potential. The project is part of USAID’s Emerging Pandemic Threats program and is led by the UC Davis One Health Institute.

Back to the wild: evaluating how a captive colony of Amargosa voles (Microtus californicus scirpensis) and colony releases into the field promote recovery of the species

The UC Davis School of Vet Med section of the ad hoc Amargosa vole team will implement this project to advance the preservation of this endangered species from extinction, contribute needed research data on the species’ basic biology, and perform service to our federal and state agency partners mandated with protecting the species and its environment.