Intestinal transcriptomes in Kazakh sheep with different haplotypes after experimental Echinococcus granulosus...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary immunology
• Parasitology
• Genomics

Background:

• Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a significant zoonotic disease in sheep, caused by Echinococcus granulosus.
• Previous research identified a specific MHC haplotype (Mva Ibc-Sac IIab-Hin1I ab) associated with CE resistance in Kazakh sheep.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CE resistance in Kazakh sheep.
• To identify differentially expressed genes in intestinal tissue related to MHC-conferred resistance.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome analysis of intestinal tissues from Kazakh sheep with resistant and non-resistant MHC haplotypes after experimental Echinococcus granulosus infection.
• Bioinformatic analysis of differentially expressed genes.

Main Results:

• Identified 3835 differentially expressed genes (2229 upregulated, 1606 downregulated) between resistant and non-resistant sheep.
• Key genes were associated with innate and adaptive immune responses, including lectin receptors, NK cell activation, chemokines, and tumor necrosis factor.
• Gene expression patterns suggest involvement in both host defense and metabolic alterations during infection.

Conclusions:

• The identified MHC haplotype likely confers CE resistance through modulation of specific immune and metabolic pathways.
• Genes involved in lectin receptor signaling, NK cell activation, and inflammatory responses are crucial for intestinal defense against Echinococcus granulosus.