Research Group 3: Wildlife diseases

Research field: Immunology

The immune system is the key defense system in vertebrates fighting infections and disease.

Advances in the field of psychoneuroimmunology have contributed substantially to our view of the immune system as a sensory system which is not only reactive to pathogens but also to the psychosocial environment. Especially stress triggered by conspecifics or human influences can severely impair the immune system of many mammals.

In the past the impact of social factors on immune defense were primarily studied in laboratory animals (rats/ mice) or in humans. However, it is likely to assume social and non-social stressors can also impair immuncompetence and disease in captive and free-ranging wildlife. Poor immunocompetence may have consequences for the viability and dynamics of wildlife populations.

Our research will cover these scientific issues in the future.

 Projects

Immunological methods in wildlife immunology

Appropriate methodology is an important prerequisite for research in wildlife immunology. Immunology in wildlife species faces two major challenges:

First, immunological methods established in laboratory animals need to be adapted for use in wildlife species. The whole spectrum of methods, however, may not be immediately used as e.g. appropriate antibodies for FACS and ELISA techniques are often unavailable.

Furthermore, cell conservation techniques need to be established allowing the transport of immune cells from the field to the laboratory without loosing functional capacities of cells.

Assessment of antigen specific immune response in roe deer (Caperolus capreolus)

In this project antigen-specific immune responses such as lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production in response to different vaccines (e.g. BVDV) are studied. One aim of the study is the the evaluation of livestock vaccines for prevention of diseases in wildlife species. Project in cooperation with PD Dr. Frölich (FG3).

 Consequences of restricted food on the immune competence in roe deer

Free ranging animals need to allocate limited energy resources to two central functions: self-maintenance and reproduction. A crucial self maintenance function is the immune system. In this project we address the question whether limited food supply causes changes in the immune system. In cooperation with Dr. S. Ortmann (FG1) and Dr. F. Göritz (FG5).

Consequences of social stress on immune activity and chronic disease

In this DFG (German Research Foundation) funded project, we study the consequences of social stress on the manifestation of collagen-induced arthritis in rats. Study in collaboration with the Universities of Bayreuth and Regensburg (Prof. Dr. R. Straub).