Abstract
Galectins and collectins are proteins classified in the lectin family that have the ability to recognize molecular patterns associated with pathogens. Studies on cattle have demonstrated high expression of these proteins during infection with gastrointestinal nematodes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the level of Haemonchus contortus infection would alter the expression of galectins (Gal11 and Gal14) and collectins (SPA and CGN) in sheep. Twelve Corriedale sheep exposed to natural infection with nematodes were divided into two groups: group 1 (G1, n = 7) and group 2 (G2, n = 5), with low and high parasite burdens, respectively, based on fecal egg counts and abomasal parasite counts. The fecal egg counts and abomasal parasite counts were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the groups. Galectin and collectin gene expression was observed in all sheep abomasal samples. However, animals with lower infection levels showed lower expression of the genes Gal14, SPA and CGN (p < 0.05). Expression of lectins was associated with the abomasal H. contortus burden, thus suggesting that these proteins may have a role in controlling of this infection.
Highlights
Haemonchosis is responsible for low performance and can cause severe disruption to sheep production chain in many tropical and subtropical regions, where it is endemic
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the level of Haemonchus contortus infection would alter the expression of galectins (Gal11 and galectin 14 (Gal14)) and collectins (SPA and CGN) in sheep
The present study investigated whether the gene expression of galectins (Gal11 and Gal14) and collectins (SPA and CGN) in sheep differed between groups with different levels of H. contortus infection, thereby contributing towards better understanding of the innate immune response against gastrointestinal helminths, based on the premise that lectins are pattern recognition molecules of the cell surface of parasites
Summary
Haemonchosis is responsible for low performance and can cause severe disruption to sheep production chain in many tropical and subtropical regions, where it is endemic. Host immunity against helminth infections is dependent on innate and acquired immune responses (STEAR & WAKELIN, 1998) and the interaction of these responses confers protection by inducing www.cbpv.org.br/rbpv. Eosinophilic inflammation, mastocytosis and activation of Th2 responses, with increased expression of interleukin (IL) -4, IL-5 and IL-13 in target tissues and production of IgE and IgA (MACKINNON et al, 2009, 2010). Animals susceptible to infection develop Th1 responses, with secretion of cytokines such as IL-2, interferon-gamma (IFNG) and tumor necrosis factor (GILL et al, 2000)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
