Identification of novel genes in the memory response to Brucella infection by cDNA arrays

This study investigated memory responses in immune mice spleen cells to brucellosis by gene expression utilizing cDNA micro arrays. Out of a total of 1176 cDNA's 21 genes were differentially regulated in three independent experiments, and generally supported a Th1 type immune response. 10 genes were validated by real time PCR, and 3 genes (CD86, CD40L and CD132) were also analyzed by Flow Cytometry for surface protein expression. We extended these findings by studying the expression of five selected genes (IRF1, SOCS1, IL2R, IRF7, and CXCR4) in two independent groups of Brucella immunized mice. In this study we show the potential application of utilizing gene arrays to identify and establish new correlates of protection against a cell mediated immune response.