Mapping serotype specific epitopes in equine rhinitis B viruses: development of an ELISA to examine erbovirus epidemiology

Abstract

a VapA-specific ELISA and R. equi-specific IFN-g expression following in vitro stimulation of PBMC with R. equi. We also assessed their IFN-g response to PMA and ionomycin stimulation.While the youngest foals were highly susceptible to infection, the oldest foalswere resistant to 1000-fold higher challenge. There was an age-related increase in IFNg production in response to in vitro stimulationwith PMA and ionomycin, similar towhatwehavepreviously reported.We also observed age-related production of IFNg in response to in vitro stimulation with R. equi. The oldest foals likewise exhibited VapA-specific antibodies prior to the challenge. Our results indicate that very young foals are highly susceptible to low doses of R. equi and that the older foals’ resistance could be the result of immunological priming following natural exposure to R. equi.