Transcriptomic landscape for lymphocyte count variation in poly I:C-induced porcine peripheral blood

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genomics
• Animal Science

Background:

• Lymphocyte count is a key indicator of antiviral capacity in mammals.
• Mechanisms linking gene expression to lymphocyte count variation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate lymphocyte count changes post-poly I:C stimulation in pigs.
• To compare transcriptomes of pigs with extreme (ER) versus moderate (MR) lymphocyte count responses.
• To elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying antiviral capacity variations.

Main Methods:

• Poly I:C stimulation of pigs.
• Measurement of lymphocyte counts before and after stimulation.
• Transcriptomic analysis (RNA sequencing) of ER and MR pigs.
• Differential gene expression analysis.

Main Results:

• Lymphocyte counts decreased in all pigs after poly I:C stimulation.
• Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differentially expressed genes in both ER and MR pigs, primarily in immune response pathways.
• ER pigs exhibited a more rapid innate immune response compared to MR pigs.
• Activation of cell death, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis pathways correlated with lymphocyte count decline.
• Differential expression of chemokines and FAS provided insights into varying lymphocyte count decreases.

Conclusions:

• Gene expression patterns significantly influence lymphocyte count variation and antiviral responses in pigs.
• Distinct molecular pathways, including apoptosis and chemokine signaling, underlie differential immune responses.
• This study enhances understanding of the genetic basis for antiviral capacity in pigs and other mammals.