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Published on: July 10, 2013
Host defense function in neutrophils from the American bison (Bison bison)
S D Swain1, L K Nelson, A J Hanson
1Department of Veterinary Molecular Biology and Center for Bison and Wildlife Health, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
Summary
American bison neutrophils exhibit strong host defense functions, including robust chemotaxis and potent killing of Gram-negative bacteria. Unique differences compared to cattle neutrophils suggest adaptation to specific bison immunological challenges.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Veterinary Science
- Comparative Biology
Background:
- Neutrophils are crucial for innate immunity.
- Understanding neutrophil function in American bison (Bison bison) is vital for their health.
- Comparative studies with cattle (Bos taurus) can elucidate species-specific immune adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and compare key host defense functions of neutrophils from American bison and cattle.
- To investigate chemotaxis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and bactericidal activity.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and functional assays of neutrophils from bison and cattle.
- Chemotaxis assays using Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and Leukotriene B4 (LTB4).
- Measurement of ROS production in response to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and opsonized zymosan (OpZ).
- Assessment of bactericidal activity of neutrophil granules against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Main Results:
- Bison neutrophils showed robust chemotaxis to IL-8 and LTB4, with stronger responses to LTB4 than bovine neutrophils.
- ROS production patterns differed, with bison neutrophils showing primarily intracellular ROS upon OpZ stimulation, unlike extracellular release in bovine neutrophils.
- Bison neutrophil granules effectively killed Gram-negative E. coli but were less effective against Gram-positive S. aureus.
Conclusions:
- Bison neutrophils possess potent host defense capabilities comparable to bovine neutrophils.
- Distinct differences in chemotaxis and ROS production suggest specialized adaptations in bison neutrophils.
- These unique features may enable bison neutrophils to address specific immunological challenges encountered by the species.
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