CD5 Deficient Mice Exhibit Altered Cognitive Function in Behavioral Studies

Authors

Tyler Cox, Brigham Young University
Dr. Scott Weber, Brigham Young University

Keywords

CD5, mice, cognitive function, behavioral studies

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

The immune system plays a role in protecting and maintaining the central nervous system (CNS). 1Dysfunctions within the immune system can affect the CNS and it is associated with diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Having an imbalanced activation of immune cells within CNS results in cognitive impairments. CD5 is a protein on the surface of T cells and certain B cells that inhibits cellular activation and prevents immune cells from reacting too strongly to antigens and causing autoimmunity to our own tissues. Modulating CD5 and the immune system could affect the CNS and cognitive function. Observations in our lab suggest that mice deficient in CD5 (CD5 knock out; CD5KO) exhibit increased aggression and anxious behavior than wild type (WT) mice. Preliminary behavior tests indicate CD5 affects cognitive function. We hypothesize that in addition to its role in altering immune cell activation, the CD5 protein is a key factor that alters cognitive function.

Recommended Citation

Cox, Tyler and Weber, Dr. Scott (2019) "CD5 Deficient Mice Exhibit Altered Cognitive Function in Behavioral Studies," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2019: Iss. 2019, Article 120.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2019/iss2019/120