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Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
Published on: October 29, 2014
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CpG oligodeoxynucleotide protect neonatal piglets from challenge with the enterotoxigenic E. coli
Haiming Cai1, Zheshi Kuang2, Kuiying Huang3
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|August 2, 2014
Summary
CpG oligonucleotides (ODN) boost innate immunity in piglets against ETEC infection. Intranasal administration showed superior protection by enhancing cytokine production and reducing diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- CpG motifs stimulate lymphocytes and macrophages, producing cytokines like IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α, crucial for bacterial infection control.
- Innate immunostimulatory effects of CpG ODN are established in various species but not yet in neonatal piglets.
- Neonatal piglets are susceptible to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective potential of CpG ODN against ETEC infection in neonatal piglets.
- To assess the impact of intranasal (IN) and intramuscular (IM) CpG ODN administration on innate immunity and protection.
- To determine the role of Th1 response induction in CpG ODN-mediated protection.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal piglets were administered CpG ODN via IN-mucosal and IM routes.
- Immune responses, including cytokine production and antibody development, were analyzed post-ETEC challenge.
- Protection was assessed by monitoring ETEC excretion and diarrhea symptoms.
- The effect of co-delivery with Emulsigen (EM) was investigated.
Main Results:
- Both IN and IM CpG ODN administration enhanced innate cellular immunity (cytokines) in sera and intestinal mucosa.
- Antigen-specific antibodies developed post-challenge in CpG ODN-treated piglets.
- IN and IM immunizations reduced ETEC excretion and alleviated diarrhea symptoms.
- The IN route demonstrated superior protection compared to the IM route.
- Co-delivery with Emulsigen improved CpG ODN-mediated protection.
- Protection was correlated with the induction of a Th1 response.
Conclusions:
- Intranasal administration of CpG ODN enhances innate immunity and provides protection against ETEC infection in neonatal piglets.
- CpG ODN induces a Th1 response, contributing to protection against ETEC.
- Co-delivery with Emulsigen can improve the efficacy of CpG ODN.
- IN administration of CpG ODN with Emulsigen is a promising strategy for preventing ETEC infection in piglets.
