Genetic variation and responses to vaccines

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Immunology
• Animal Genetics
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Livestock diseases cause significant economic losses.
• Genetic factors, including the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), influence immune responsiveness and disease resistance.
• Understanding these genetic factors is key for developing effective vaccines and breeding disease-resistant cattle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of bovine MHC (BoLA) and non-MHC genes in immune responses relevant to vaccine design.
• To identify genetic factors controlling immune traits for improved disease resistance in cattle.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of T-cell clones specific for a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) peptide.
• Examination of BoLA class II (DR and DQ) function in antigen presentation.
• Vaccine trial using FMDV peptides and assessment of BoLA class II DRB3 polymorphisms.
• Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in a Charolais and Holstein crossbreed population.

Main Results:

• BoLA class II molecules (DR and DQ) are involved in antigen presentation, with complex interactions influencing immune response.
• Polymorphisms in BoLA class II DRB3 were correlated with protection and non-protection in a vaccine trial.
• Both MHC and non-MHC genes significantly influenced T-cell, cytokine, and antibody responses to the FMDV peptide.
• Sire and breed effects were notable in immune trait responses.

Conclusions:

• Both MHC and non-MHC genes play critical roles in regulating bovine immune traits.
• These findings provide insights into host-pathogen interactions and are valuable for vaccine development and breeding programs.
• Further studies are needed to identify specific genes and quantify their contributions to immune regulation.