Characterization of the inflammatory phenotype of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis using a novel cell culture passage model.

Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) and the host responses to Johne's disease is complicated by the multi-faceted disease progression, late-onset host reaction and the lack of available ex vivo infection models. We describe a novel cell culture passage model that mimics the course of infection in vivo. The developed model simulates the interaction of MAP with the intestinal epithelial cells, followed by infection of macrophages and return to the intestinal epithelium. MAP internalization triggers a minimal inflammatory response. After passage through a macrophage phase, bacterial reinfection of MDBK epithelial cells, representing the late phase of intestinal mucosal infection, is associated with increased synthesis of the pro-inflammatory transcripts of IL-6, CCL5, IL-8 and IL-18, paired with decreased levels of TGFß. Transcriptome analysis of MAP from each stage of epithelial cell infection identified increased expression of lipid biosynthesis and lipopeptide modification genes in the inflammatory phenotype of MAP. Total lipid analysis by HPLC-ES/MS indicates different lipidomic profiles between the two phenotypes and a unique set of lipids composing the inflammatory MAP phenotype. The presence of selected upregulated lipid-modification gene transcripts in samples of ileal tissue from cows diagnosed with Johne's disease supports and validates the model. By using the relatively simple cell culture passage model, we show that MAP alters its lipid composition during intracellular infection and acquires a pro-inflammatory phenotype, which likely is associated with the inflammatory phase of Johne's disease.

An immunoinformatics study reveals a new BoLA-DR-restricted CD4+ T cell epitopes on the Gag protein of bovine leukemia virus.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL), which has been reported worldwide. The expression of viral structural proteins: surface glycoprotein (gp51) and three core proteins - p15 (matrix), p24 (capsid), and p12 (nucleocapsid) induce a strong humoral and cellular immune response at first step of infection. CD4+ T-cell activation is generally induced by bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA) region- positive antigen-presenting cells (APC) after processing of an exogenous viral antigen. Limited data are available on the BLV epitopes from the core proteins recognized by CD4+ T-cells. Thus, immunoinformatic analysis of Gag sequences obtained from 125 BLV isolates from Poland, Canada, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Moldova and United States was performed to identify the presence of BoLA-DRB3 restricted CD4+ T-cell epitopes. The 379 15-mer overlapping peptides spanning the entire Gag sequence were run in BoLA-DRB3 allele-binding regions using a BoLA-DRB- peptide binding affinity prediction algorithm. The analysis identified 22 CD4+ T-cell peptide epitopes of variable length ranging from 17 to 22 amino acids. The predicted epitopes interacted with 73 different BoLA-DRB3 alleles found in BLV-infected cattle. Importantly, two epitopes were found to be linked with high proviral load in PBMC. A majority of dominant and subdominant epitopes showed high conservation across different viral strains, and therefore could be attractive targets for vaccine development.

Tuberculosis immunity: opportunities from studies with cattle.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis share >99% genetic identity and induce similar host responses and disease profiles upon infection. There is a rich history of codiscovery in the development of control measures applicable to both human and bovine tuberculosis (TB) including skin-testing procedures, M. bovis BCG vaccination, and interferon-γ release assays. The calf TB infection model offers several opportunities to further our understanding of TB immunopathogenesis. Recent observations include correlation of central memory immune responses with TB vaccine efficacy, association of SIRPα(+) cells in ESAT-6:CFP10-elicited multinucleate giant cell formation, early γδ T cell responses to TB, antimycobacterial activity of memory CD4(+) T cells via granulysin production, association of specific antibody with antigen burden, and suppression of innate immune gene expression in infected animals. Partnerships teaming researchers with veterinary and medical perspectives will continue to provide mutual benefit to TB research in man and animals.

Natural Infection of Dairy Cows with Bovine Leukemia Virus Affects Immunoglobulin Levels in Saliva and Serum but Not Milk.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retroviral infection that disrupts the immune function of infected animals. It is widespread among U.S. dairy cattle. In this pilot study, the average total IgA and IgM concentrations in milk, saliva, and serum samples from BLV ELISA-positive (ELISA+) dairy cows were compared against samples from BLV ELISA-negative (ELISA-) cows using the Kruskal-Wallis test (with ties). The results from ELISA+ cows were also stratified by lymphocyte count (LC) and proviral load (PVL). In milk and saliva from ELISA+ cows, the average total IgA and IgM concentrations were decreased compared to ELISA- cows, although this was only statistically significant for saliva IgM in cows with low PVL (p = 0.0424). Numerically, the average total IgA concentrations were 33.6% lower in milk and 23.7% lower in saliva, and the average total IgM concentrations were 42.4% lower in milk and 15.5% lower in saliva. No significant differences were observed in the total serum IgA concentrations, regardless of PVL and LC. The total serum IgM from ELISA+ cows was significantly decreased (p = 0.0223), with the largest decreases occurring in the highest PVL and LC subgroups. This pilot study is a first step in investigating the impact of BLV on mucosal immunity and will require further exploration in each of the various stages of disease progression.

A powerful and flexible linear mixed model framework for the analysis of relative quantification RT-PCR data.

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is currently viewed as the most precise technique to quantify levels of messenger RNA. Relative quantification compares the expression of a target gene under two or more experimental conditions normalized to the measured expression of a control gene. The statistical methods and software currently available for the analysis of relative quantification of RT-PCR data lack the flexibility and statistical properties to produce valid inferences in a wide range of experimental situations. In this paper we present a novel method for the analysis of relative quantification of qRT-PCR data, which consists of the analysis of cycles to threshold values (C(T)) for a target and a control gene using a general linear mixed model methodology. Our method allows testing of a broader class of hypotheses than traditional analyses such as the classical comparative C(T). Moreover, a simulation study using plasmode datasets indicated that the estimated fold-change in pairwise comparisons was the same using either linear mixed models or a comparative C(T) method, but the linear mixed model approach was more powerful. In summary, the method presented in this paper is more accurate, powerful and flexible than the traditional methods for analysis of qRT-PCR data. This new method is especially useful for studies involving multiple experimental factors and complex designs.

Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Drives an Innate Th17-Like T Cell Response Regardless of the Presence of Antigen-Presenting Cells.

The gastrointestinal disease of ruminants is clinically known as Johne's disease (JD) and is caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). An accumulative effect by insensitive diagnostic tools, a long subclinical stage of infection, and lack of effective vaccines have made the control of JD difficult. Currently lacking in the model systems of JD are undefined correlates of protection and the sources of inflammation due to JD. As an alternative to commonly studied immune responses, such as the Th1/Th2 paradigm, a non-classical Th17 immune response to MAP has been suggested. Indeed MAP antigens induce mRNAs encoding the Th17-associated cytokines IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-23, IL-27, and IFNγ in CD3+ T cell cultures as determined by RT-qPCR. Although not as robust as when cultured with monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), MAP is able to stimulate the upregulation of these cytokines from sorted CD3+ T cells in the absence of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are the main contributors of IL-17A and IL-22 in the absence of APCs. However, MAP-stimulated MDMs are the main contributor of IL-23. In vivo, JD+ cows have more circulating IL-23 than JD- cows, suggesting that this proinflammatory cytokine may be important in the etiology of JD. Our data in this study continue to suggest that Th17-like cells and associated cytokines may indeed play an important role in the immune responses to MAP infection and the development or control of JD.

Bovine leukemia virus detection and dynamics following experimental inoculation.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infects more than 40% of the United States cattle population and impacts animal health and production. Control programs aiming to reduce disease prevalence and incidence depend on the ability to detect the BLV provirus, anti-BLV antibodies, and differences in blood lymphocyte counts following infection. These disease parameters also can be indicative of long-term disease progression. The objectives of this study were to determine the timing and to describe early fluctuations of BLV-detection by qPCR, ELISA, and lymphocyte counts. Fifteen Holstein steers were experimentally inoculated with 100 µL of a blood saline inoculum. Three steers served as in-pen negative controls and were housed with the experimentally infected steers to observe the potential for contract transmission. Five additional negative controls were housed separately. Steers were followed for 147 days post-inoculation (DPI). Infections were detected in experimentally infected steers by qPCR and ELISA an average of 24- and 36 DPI, respectively. Significant differences in lymphocyte counts between experimentally infected and control steers were observed from 30 to 45 DPI. Furthermore, a wide variation in peak proviral load and establishment was observed between experimentally infected steers. The results of this study can be used to inform control programs focused on the detection and removal of infectious cattle.

Transcriptional profiling of cattle infected with Trypanosoma congolense highlights gene expression signatures underlying trypanotolerance and trypanosusceptibility.

BACKGROUND: African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) caused by tsetse fly-transmitted protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma is a major constraint on livestock and agricultural production in Africa and is among the top ten global cattle diseases impacting on the poor. Here we show that a functional genomics approach can be used to identify temporal changes in host peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression due to disease progression. We also show that major gene expression differences exist between cattle from trypanotolerant and trypanosusceptible breeds. Using bovine long oligonucleotide microarrays and real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) validation we analysed PBMC gene expression in naïve trypanotolerant and trypanosusceptible cattle experimentally challenged with Trypanosoma congolense across a 34-day infection time course. RESULTS: Trypanotolerant N'Dama cattle displayed a rapid and distinct transcriptional response to infection, with a ten-fold higher number of genes differentially expressed at day 14 post-infection compared to trypanosusceptible Boran cattle. These analyses identified coordinated temporal gene expression changes for both breeds in response to trypanosome infection. In addition, a panel of genes were identified that showed pronounced differences in gene expression between the two breeds, which may underlie the phenomena of trypanotolerance and trypanosusceptibility. Gene ontology (GO) analysis demonstrate that the products of these genes may contribute to increased mitochondrial mRNA translational efficiency, a more pronounced B cell response, an elevated activation status and a heightened response to stress in trypanotolerant cattle. CONCLUSION: This study has revealed an extensive and diverse range of cellular processes that are altered temporally in response to trypanosome infection in African cattle. Results indicate that the trypanotolerant N'Dama cattle respond more rapidly and with a greater magnitude to infection compared to the trypanosusceptible Boran cattle. Specifically, a subset of the genes analyzed by real time qRT-PCR, which display significant breed differences, could collectively contribute to the trypanotolerance trait in N'Dama.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis suppresses expression of IL-12p40 and iNOS genes induced by signalling through CD40 in bovine monocyte-derived macrophages.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a facultative intracellular organism that resides in host macrophages. MAP causes a fatal wasting syndrome in ruminants, typified by granulomatous enteritis in the small intestine. MAP has also been suspected as a causative or exacerbating factor in some cases of human Crohn's disease. In MAP infections, a cytotoxic and proinflammatory Th1-like response is essential to control disease. While such a response may initially develop, this typically gives way to a Th2-like response later in infection. Interaction between CD40 receptors on macrophages and CD154 (CD40L) on activated T cells is crucial for maintaining a Th1 response and activation of macrophages. In this report, we investigated the hypothesis that CD40 signalling is impaired in MAP-infected macrophages. Uninfected bovine monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) responded to CD40L by up-regulating expression of genes encoding IL-6, TNFalpha, IL-8, iNOS, IL-10, and IL-12p40. In contrast, MDM cells infected with MAP failed to up-regulate expression of iNOS and IL-12p40 genes in response to CD40L. CD40L stimulation caused a transient activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family member extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2, stress-activated protein kinase/Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) and p38 in MDM cells. In uninfected cells, inhibition of MAPK revealed that CD40L-mediated increase in IL-6 gene expression was dependent on activation of ERK1/2, while increases in IL-12p40, iNOS, and IL-10 gene expression were dependent on activation of p38. Because early activation of p38 was unimpaired in MAP-infected macrophages, we propose that MAP interferes with gene expression of iNOS and IL-12p40 genes downstream of p38.

Inflammatory Th17 responses to infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in cattle and their potential role in development of Johne's disease.

Chronic intestinal inflammation typically associated with late stage Johne's disease (JD) in cattle occurs despite a lack of significant expression of the typical proinflammatory cytokines IFNγ and TNFα derived from Th1- like T cells. In contrast, these cytokines appear to be relatively abundant during early infections with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of JD in cattle. The roles of non-classical immune responses, such as those associated with Th17 cells, in response to MAP infection and development of clinical JD are less clear. In this review, we examine literature suggesting that Mycobacterial infections, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, and MAP, are all associated with expression of Th17 promoting cytokines (IL-23, IL-22, IL-17a). We discuss the possibility that Th17 associated cytokines, particularly IL-23, may act as contributing factors in development and maintenance of inflammation characteristic of clinical JD. An as yet relatively unexplored source of chronic inflammation due to over expression of IL-1α and IL-1ß is also presented. We further discuss the fact that, as with the typical Th1-like cytokines IFNγ and TNFα , IL-17a is not significantly expressed in CD4+ T cells from cows with clinical JD, possibly due to T cell exhaustion. Finally, we present the notion that the Th17 driving cytokine IL-23 expressed by infected macrophages and associated epithelial cells may contribute to chronic inflammation during later stages of JD.

Mycobacterium avium sp. paratuberculosis (MAP) induces IL-17a production in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and enhances IL-23R expression in-vivo and in-vitro.

Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Control of JD is difficult largely due to insensitive diagnostic tools, a long subclinical stage of infection, and lack of effective vaccines. Correlates of protection are lacking in model systems of JD and the sources of inflammation due to JD are not well characterized. Commonly studied immune responses, such as the Th1/Th2 paradigm, do not adequately explain host responses to MAP. A potential role for non-classical immune responses to MAP, such as that mediated by Th17 cells, has been suggested. Indeed, MAP antigens induce mRNAs encoding the cytokines IL-23 and IL-17a in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). IL-23 and IL-17a production have both been associated with Th17-like immune responses. Th17 cells are also defined by surface expression of the IL-23 receptor (IL-23R). To determine the relative prevalence of potential Th17 cells in PBMCs from MAP test positive and MAP test negative cows, PBMCs were isolated and analyzed by immunostaining and flow cytometry. Fresh PBMCs from MAP test positive cows (n = 12) contained a significantly higher proportion of IL-23R positive cells in populations of CD4+, CD8+, and Yδ + T cells than in cells from MAP test negative cows (n = 12; p < 0.05). Treatment with MAP antigens increased the percentage of all T cell subsets with surface expression of IL-23R when compared to untreated (n = 12; p < 0.05) cells. ELISA results for IL-17a secretion revealed a higher concentration of IL-17a secreted from PBMCs treated with MAP antigen (n = 20) than from PBMCs not treated with MAP antigens (n = 20) (p < 0.001), regardless of the JD test status of source cows. Also, we observed a moderate negative correlation between JD diagnostic scores for JD + cows and plasma IL-17a concentration (n = 42; r = -0.437; p-value < 0.004). Plasma with low and mid JD- scores (n = 31; n = 9; 0.1 ≤ X < 0.3) had significantly more IL-17a when compared to plasma with high JD- scores (n = 10; 0.3 ≤ X < 0.46; p-values < 0.05). Similarly, plasma with low JD + score values (0.55 ≤ X < 1.0; n = 9) had significantly more IL-17a when compared to plasma with high JD + score values (X ≥ 2.0; n = 21; p < 0.05). Overall, plasma from JD + cows (0.55 < X ≤ 2.86; n = 41) had significantly less IL-17a than plasma from JD- cows (0 < X ≤ 0.46; n = 70). Our data suggests that Th17-like cells may indeed play a role in early immune responses to MAP infection and development or control of JD.

Transcriptional analysis of diverse strains Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in primary bovine monocyte derived macrophages.

In this study we analyzed the macrophage-induced gene expression of three diverse genotypes of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Using selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) on three genotypically diverse MAP isolates from cattle, human, and sheep exposed to primary bovine monocyte derived macrophages for 48 h and 120 h we created and sequenced six cDNA libraries. Sequence annotations revealed that the cattle isolate up-regulated 27 and 241 genes; the human isolate up-regulated 22 and 53 genes, and the sheep isolate up-regulated 35 and 358 genes, at the two time points respectively. Thirteen to thirty-three percent of the genes identified did not have any annotated function. Despite variations in the genes identified, the patterns of expression fell into overlapping cellular functions as inferred by pathway analysis. For example, 10-12% of the genes expressed by all three strains at each time point were associated with cell-wall biosynthesis. All three strains of MAP studied up-regulated genes in pathways that combat oxidative stress, metabolic and nutritional starvation, and cell survival. Taken together, this comparative transcriptional analysis suggests that diverse MAP genotypes respond with similar modus operandi for survival in the host.

Antigen-specific regulatory T cells in bovine paratuberculosis.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is an intracellular pathogen that survives in the host's intestinal macrophages and causes chronic enteritis in ruminants. The subclinical stage of MAP infection is accompanied by loss of pro-inflammatory T(H)1 response, and a predominant, but ineffective, antibody-mediated T(H)2 response. How MAP interacts with the bovine immune system and suppresses T(H)1 responses is unclear. Studies carried out in our lab and others indicate that when peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from subclinical MAP-infected cattle are stimulated with MAP-antigen, IL-10 is up-regulated and leads to suppression of IFN-gamma expression in MAP-antigen-reactive effector T cells. IL-10 up-regulation and reduction in IFN-gamma would favor MAP survival and proliferation in macrophages. Depletion studies in PBMCs from MAP-infected cattle also revealed that the MAP responsive T-cell population that produces IL-10 is CD4(+) and CD25(+). Therefore, we hypothesize that cattle infected with MAP develop regulatory T (Treg) cells capable of producing IL-10 that in turn limits peripheral and tissue-specific T(H)1 immune responses. The aim of this review is to summarize current thinking regarding Treg cells and provide preliminary evidence that infection of cattle with MAP may lead to development of Treg cells.

Comparison of gene expression by co-cultured WC1+ gammadelta and CD4+ alphabeta T cells exhibiting a recall response to bacterial antigen.

Immunization of cattle with a Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo-bovis vaccine results in the development of a recall response by WC1(+) gammadelta T cells and CD4(+) alphabeta T cells characterized by proliferation and interferon-gamma production. It was hypothesized that these two T cell subpopulations had largely redundant effector functions, principally differing in their requirements for activation. To test this, gene expression in cells proliferating to antigen were compared utilizing RT-PCR and bovine microarrays. Both T cell populations had similar transcript profiles for effector molecules, including IFN-gamma, FasL and granzyme B. In contrast, transcripts for costimulatory receptors and ligands were notably different following activation, as WC1(+) T cells expressed no or lower levels of transcripts for CD28 and CD40L, while CD4(+) T cells expressed substantial levels of both. However, both cell types had high levels of CTLA-4 transcript suggesting the cells may be regulated similarly following activation but differ in their need for and ability to provide costimulation. Microarray analyses to extend the number of genes examined revealed that while both subpopulations upregulated anti-apoptotic genes as well as those involved in cell activation and protein biosynthesis, overall there were limited differences between the two antigen-activated cell populations. Those genes that did differ were involved in cell signaling, protein production and intracellular protein trafficking. These results strengthen the hypothesis that these particular activated WC1(+) and CD4(+) T cells have overlapping effector functions and therefore may differ principally with regard to how they are recruited into immune responses.

Relationship between Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, IL-1alpha, and TRAF1 in primary bovine monocyte-derived macrophages.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a facultative intracellular pathogen that resides in host macrophage cells. Presently, little is known about how MAP is able to subvert the normal bacteriocidal functions of infected macrophages. Previously, we reported that ileal tissues from MAP infected cattle contained high levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1alpha) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1), relative to ileal tissues from uninfected cattle. High-level expression of these two proteins could have profound effects on macrophage function, intracellular signaling, and apoptosis. We now demonstrate that high levels of TRAF1 protein are located primarily within macrophages infiltrating areas of MAP infection. We have also utilized cultured bovine monocyte-derived macrophage cells (MDM) either infected with live MAP or stimulated with recombinant IL-1alpha (rIL-1alpha) to determine if there is a relationship between IL-1alpha and TRAF1 expression. These studies have identified a dose dependent increase in TRAF1 protein levels in bovine MDM in response to infection with live MAP or following treatment with rIL-1alpha. Sustained TRAF1 protein expression was dependent upon interaction of rIL-1alpha with it's receptor and rIL-1beta was also able to enhance TRAF1 gene expression. Our results suggest that MAP may use the IL-1-TRAF1 system to enhance TRAF1 protein expression in infected bovine MDM. These novel results provide evidence for a new avenue of research on the effect of MAP and other intracellular pathogens on macrophage signaling and apoptosis.

Identification of novel genes associated with dominant follicle development in cattle.

Follicle development is regulated by the interaction of endocrine and intrafollicular factors, as well as by numerous intracellular pathways, which involves the transcription of new genes, although not all are known. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of a set of unknown genes identified by bovine cDNA microarray analysis in theca and granulosa cells of dominant and subordinate follicles, collected at a single stage of the first follicular wave using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Differences were further examined at three stages of the follicular wave (emergence, selection and dominance) and bioinformatics tools were used to identify these originally unknown sequences. The suggested name function and proposed role for the novel genes identified are as follows: MRPL41 and VDAC2, involved in apoptosis (dominant follicle development); TBC1D1 stimulates cell differentiation (growth associated with dominant follicle selection and development); STX7, promotes phagocytosis of cells (subordinate follicle regression); and SPC22 and EHD3, intracellular signalling (subordinate follicle regression). In conclusion, we have identified six novel genes that have not been described previously in ovarian follicles that are dynamically regulated during dominant follicle development and presumably help mediate intracellular signalling, cell differentiation, apoptosis and phagocytosis, events critical to follicular development.

MicroRNAs Encoded by Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) Are Associated with Reduced Expression of B Cell Transcriptional Regulators in Dairy Cattle Naturally Infected with BLV.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is estimated to infect over 83% of dairy herds and over 40% of all dairy cows in the United States. While, BLV only causes leukemia in a small proportion of animals, research indicates that BLV+ cattle exhibit reduced milk production and longevity that is distinct from lymphoma development. It is hypothesized that BLV negatively affects production by interfering with cattle immunity and increasing the risk of secondary infections. In particular, BLV+ cows demonstrate reduced circulating levels of both antigen-specific and total IgM. This study investigated possible mechanisms by which BLV could interfere with the production of IgM in naturally infected cattle. Specifically, total plasma IgM and the expression of genes IGJ, BLIMP1, BCL6, and PAX5 in circulating IgM+ B cells were measured in 15 naturally infected BLV+ and 15 BLV- cows. In addition, BLV proviral load (PVL) (a relative measurement of BLV provirus integrated into host DNA) and the relative expression of BLV TAX and 5 BLV microRNAs (miRNAs) were characterized and correlated to the expression of selected endogenous genes. BLV+ cows exhibited lower total plasma IgM and lower expression of IGJ, BLIMP1, and BCL6. While, BLV TAX and BLV miRNAs failed to correlate with IGJ expression, both BLV TAX and BLV miRNAs exhibited negative associations with BLIMP1 and BCL6 gene expression. The results suggest a possible transcriptional pathway by which BLV interferes with IgM production in naturally infected cattle.

T and B cell activation profiles from cows with and without Johne's disease in response to in vitro stimulation with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic wasting disease of ruminants caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). JD is particularly problematic on US dairy farms: estimates show that over 50% of farms are MAP-contaminated and as many as 91% of dairy herds could be infected. Although estimates vary widely, JD may cost the dairy industry between $200 million and $1.5 billion every year. One major obstacle to JD management is that JD is difficult to detect in many animals, in part due to the variable immunity against MAP demonstrated by JD+ cattle. To characterize the diversity of immune responses against MAP, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 154 JD test negative and 96 JD test positive cows from the same dairy herds were stimulated with MAP in vitro. The activation of CD4+, CD8+ and γδ T cells and surface IgM+ B cells was measured using flow cytometry. CD4+CD45R0+ T cells, γδ+MHCII+ and γδ+MHCII- T cells and SIgM+ B cells from JD test positive cows all exhibited increased proportions expressing CD25 after MAP stimulation, while CD8+ T cells did not demonstrate increased CD25 expression in response to MAP.

Bovine Leukemia Virus and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Are Not Associated with Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Shedding in Cattle.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that causes enzootic bovine leukosis in cattle, and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiologic agent of Johne's disease in cattle. Both diseases are chronic in nature and can lead to the disruption of normal immunological or physiological processes. Cattle are the major reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), a cause of foodborne illness in humans. We tested the hypothesis that cattle infected with BLV or MAP are more likely to shed STEC. We conducted a cross-sectional study during the summers of 2011 and 2012 in 11 Michigan cattle herds. A fecal sample from each animal was collected for STEC culture, and multiplex PCR for stx1, stx2, and eaeA was used to screen suspect colonies for STEC confirmation. Antibody detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for BLV and MAP were used to screen serum from each animal. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the percentage of lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in a subsample (n =497) of blood samples. Of the animals sampled, 34.9% were BLV positive, 2.7% were MAP positive, and 16% were shedding STEC. Cattle in the dairy herds had a higher frequency of BLV and MAP than did those in beef herds, but more cattle in beef herds were shedding STEC. Neither BLV nor MAP was associated with STEC shedding (P values of 0.6838 and 0.3341, respectively). We also observed no association between STEC status and the percentage of neutrophils (P value of 0.3565), lymphocytes (P value of 0.8422), or the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (P value of 0.1800). Although controlling both BLV and MAP is important for overall herd health and productivity, we found no evidence that controlling BLV and MAP has an impact on STEC shedding in cattle.

Dairy Cows Naturally Infected with Bovine Leukemia Virus Exhibit Abnormal B- and T-Cell Phenotypes after Primary and Secondary Exposures to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that is highly prevalent in US dairy herds: over 83% are BLV infected and the within-herd infection rate can be almost 50% on average. While BLV is known to cause lymphosarcomas, only 5% or fewer infected cattle will develop lymphoma; this low prevalence of cancer has historically not been a concern to dairy producers. However, more recent research has found that BLV+ cows without lymphoma produce less milk and have shorter lifespans than uninfected herdmates. It has been hypothesized that BLV infection interferes with normal immune function in infected cattle, and this could lead to reduced dairy production. To assess how naturally infected BLV+ cows responded to a primary and secondary immune challenge, 10 BLV+ and 10 BLV- cows were injected subcutaneously with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide. B- and T-cell responses were characterized over the following 28 days. A total of 56 days after primary KLH exposure, cows were re-injected with KLH and B- and T-cell responses were characterized again over the following 28 days. BLV+ cows produced less KLH-specific IgM after primary immune stimulation; demonstrated fewer CD45R0+ B cells, altered proportions of CD5+ B cells, altered expression of CD5 on CD5+ B cells, and reduced MHCII surface expression on B cells ex vivo; exhibited reduced B-cell activation in vitro; and displayed an increase in BLV proviral load after KLH exposure. In addition, BLV+ cows had a reduced CD45R0+γδ+ T-cell population in the periphery and demonstrated a greater prevalence of IL4-producing T cells in vitro. All together, our results demonstrate that both B- and T-cell immunities are disrupted in BLV+ cows and that antigen-specific deficiencies can be detected in BLV+ cows even after a primary immune exposure.