Immunogens commonly used are purified proteins, synthetic peptides, cells or cell membranes. Because animals will be used for immunization, we are required to get the UNC-CH Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee's (IACUC) approval before initiating any work with animals. This approval process will be initiated by the investigator providing a brief (2 paragraph) scientific justification/rationale to the core for their project. With this information, the core can submit the required forms to the IACUC so animals can be approved. To allow time for processing by the core and IACUC, the required information needs to be provided at least 4-5 weeks prior to the start of immunizations.

Once approval is received from the UNC IACUC, the Immunology core will order the mice for the project. Mice will be acclimated for one week prior to immunization. Most material for immunization will be mixed with RIBI^TM adjuvant. Pre-bleeds will be taken and immunizations will be done on three week intervals. Mice will be bled and sera will be collected. Mice will be immunized and sera samples will be tested until the titer reaches a level suitable for fusion.

IMMUNIZATION PROTOCOL

TIME: Usually takes 7-13 weeks

FEES: (All fees include the price for the animals, housing of the animals (60 days), injections (4 max.) and sera sampling for the determination of titer)

• Balb/c mice (4): $568
• Armenian Hamsters (3): $1478

UNC Immunology Core Facility
CB# 7182 / 444 Taylor Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

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