Week 13: Conclusion

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 Hello Everyone! It is almost poster time. I feel so much readier to present this semester than last. 

Here is my conclusion for my paper:

The specific genetic markers in the MCH protein, 3aa and 5aa, increase bat’s ability to host viruses asymptomatically. MCH proteins are necessary molecules for the functionality of multiple mammalian immune systems. However, included in the complex are receptors that cause inflammatory responses and release of killer t-cells to destroy invading pathogens. Although further research is necessary to understand how, the presence of 3aa and 5aa alleles in the peptide chain of the MCH protein of bats and the absence of these markers in humans explain the disparity in inflammatory response to viruses.

            Biologically it would appear disadvantageous to lack immune response to invading pathogens. Conversely, bat’s contain similar MHC receptors as humans but contain genetic markers that suppress inflammatory response. Theses alleles have proven beneficial in physiological reaction to infection. Bats live in an activated antiviral immune state, where they can harbor viruses and utilize their oncolytic protection benefits. Correlative studies are researching the relationship between the longevity of the lifespan of such a small mammal and the viruses they harbor.

            Genomic understanding of the different proteins of human and bat immune systems is not a conclusive explanation of factors that increase zoonotic spread. However, it does give the ecological and epidemiological community a foundation of understanding to further research of viral jumping. Additional investigation would also benefit the medical industry. If the oncolytic properties of specific viruses can be determined genetically, possibly through proteins like MHC, medicines, gene therapies, or technologies could be developed to remedy or treat various cancers and tumors. Ultimately, this research is beneficial in understanding bat’s viral transmission capacity evolutionarily, ecologically, and gnomically. This knowledge is key in identifying other mammalian hosts and disease prevention.

Below is an image not included in my paper but just a resource I used to understand the microbiology of my research:

Image is derived from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dipankar-Nandi-4/publication/323878903/figure/fig1/AS:689122347851776@1541310979051/Structure-of-MHC-peptide-TCR-complexes-The-TCR-on-T-cells-recognizes-self-or-antigenic.jpg


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