Effect of cytokines on bovine mammary gland immunity

Cytokines are a family of glycoproteins produced by various cell types in response to specific stimuli that regulate the immune response. This paper reviews recent studies on two different cytokines, each with its own effector cell type: interleukin-2 (IL-2), which regulates lymphoid cell responses; and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), which regulates neutrophil responses. In the first study, administration of IL-2 to the bovine mammary gland was found to stimulate the expansion of lymphocyte populations and increase local antibody production. In the second study, systemic administration of GCSF increased peripheral blood as well as milk neutrophil populations, which afforded some protection against Staphylococcus aureus challenge. Results suggest a role for cytokines in the control of mastitis in dairy cattle.