# A Xenopus Laevis Research Resource for Immunology

> **NIH NIH R24** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2021 · $68,542

## Abstract

The goal of this renewal application is to support and develop the world's most comprehensive research
resource specializing in the use of the amphibian Xenopus laevis as a multi-faceted experimental
platform for biomedical and immunological research and for the benefit of the whole scientific
community. Interests and medical relevance of X. laevis are due to the remarkable similarity of its immune
system with that of human, the accessibility to experimentation at all developmental stages, as well as the
availability of large genetic and genomic resources, invaluable MHC-defined inbred strains and clones of frogs
and tools such as lymphoid tumor cell lines, monoclonal antibodies, MHC tetramers and batteries of validated
PCR primers for immune-relevant genes. These animals and reagents that are not commercially available
need to be preserved, enriched, and made available to the scientific community. As in previous proposals, two
major main aims are proposed:
(1) Preserving and promoting the X. laevis research resource for immunobiology by keeping on
managing and distributing animal stocks and reagents to laboratories in the US and abroad. We will maintain
and further optimize the diversity, quality, productivity and welfare of our animals. We will continue to assist,
train and inform scientists, students and educators interested in using X. laevis as a research model. We will
continue to foster the accessibility and public awareness of the resource by frequently updating our web site by
which we disseminate information to the scientific community. We will cultivate communication, networking and
interactions with other Xenopus resources in US and in the world.
(2) Developing new methodologies and generating new experimental animals and reagents, with the
major goal of integrating and exploiting the recent remarkable advance and success of the CRISPR/Cas9-
based genome editing technology to generate transgenic (Tg) Xenopus. This has been identified as a priority
by the Xenopus community. The specific objectives will be: (i) To adapt the CRISPR/Cas9 system for immune
gene loss-of-function by transgenesis; (ii) To develop reagents of high specificity for key immune receptors and
factors; (iii)To generate and characterize fluorescent Tg reporter MHC-defined inbred lines and clones; and (iv)
To continue developing X. laevis tadpoles for real time intravital microscopy.
In addition to maintaining a research platform that is crucial for the Xenopus scientific community, this project
promotes the development of new approaches and technologies that can be rapidly and broadly applied for
innovative insights into tissue and organ physiology, immunology and developmental biology. The
development and application of these tools and technologies will contribute to the efforts of the Xenopus
community assisted by the NIH to establish Xenopus as a relevant model for biomedical research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10469152
- **Project number:** 3R24AI059830-18S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** JACQUES Robert
- **Activity code:** R24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $68,542
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2004-06-01 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10469152

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10469152, A Xenopus Laevis Research Resource for Immunology (3R24AI059830-18S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10469152. Licensed CC0.

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