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Interferon induction in piglets with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid complexed with poly-L-lysine and
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, University of Guelph, Canada.
Insights
Poly ICLC effectively induces interferon in piglets. A dose of 0.5 mg/kg in newborns and 0.25 mg/kg in weaned piglets yielded the best results, showing higher interferon and lower white blood cell counts.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) is a known immune modulator.
- Poly ICLC is a complex of poly I:C with other agents, potentially enhancing its properties.
- Understanding optimal dosing for immune stimulation in piglets is crucial for research and potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal intravenous dose of poly ICLC for inducing interferon and modulating white blood cell counts in newborn and weaned piglets.
- To compare the efficacy of poly ICLC as an interferon inducer versus poly I:C.
Main Methods:
- Newborn and weaned piglets were intravenously inoculated with varying doses of poly ICLC (1.0, 0.5, or 0.25 mg kg-1).
- Serum interferon levels and white blood cell counts were measured as indicators of immune response.
- Poly I:C was used as a comparator for interferon induction efficacy.
Main Results:
- The optimal dose of poly ICLC for the highest serum interferon and lowest white blood cell count in newborn piglets was 0.5 mg kg-1.
- Weaned piglets showed similar optimal responses with a lower dose of 0.25 mg kg-1 poly ICLC.
- Poly ICLC demonstrated superior interferon-inducing capabilities compared to poly I:C, especially in younger animals.
Conclusions:
- Poly ICLC is a potent interferon inducer in piglets, with dose-dependent effects.
- Age influences the optimal dosage of poly ICLC for immune stimulation in swine.
- Poly ICLC offers enhanced immunomodulatory potential over poly I:C in this animal model.
Abstract:
When newborn piglets were inoculated intravenously with 1.0, 0.5 or 0.25 mg kg-1 of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) complexed with poly-L-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose (poly ICLC), the highest serum interferon levels and the lowest white blood cell counts were found in response to a dose of 0.5 mg kg-1. Similar responses were observed in weaned piglets inoculated with 0.25 mg kg-1 of poly ICLC. Poly ICLC was a more effective interferon inducer than poly I:C, particularly in newborn piglets.