Devil Facial Tumour Disease: MHC genetics of a contagious cancer
- đ¤ Speaker: Dr Hannah Siddle, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge
- đ Date & Time: Thursday 17 December 2009, 16:30 - 17:30
- đ Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Department of Veterinary Medicine
Abstract
Tasmanian devils face extinction due to the emergence of a contagious cancer, Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). DFTD is a clonal cancer that has spread through the devil population by biting. The disease is highly unusual as it is not just a tumour but also a tissue graft, passed between individuals without invoking an immune response. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules play a key role in immune responses to both tumours and grafts. This talk will discuss the role that MHC genes have played in allowing the invading cell line to spread so rapidly through the population and strategies for conserving Tasmanian devils in the wild.
Series This talk is part of the Departmental Seminar Programme, Department of Veterinary Medicine series.
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- Cambridge Immunology
- Cambridge Infectious Disease
- Cambridge Infectious Diseases
- Departmental Seminar Programme, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecture Theatre 1, Department of Veterinary Medicine
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Dr Hannah Siddle, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge
Thursday 17 December 2009, 16:30-17:30