In vitro blastogenic responses and interferon-gamma production by intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes of calves
W R Waters1, J A Harp, B J Nonnecke
1US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Metabolic Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, Ames, Iowa 50010-0070, USA.
Insights
Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in calves show similar responses to mitogens and produce interferon-gamma, suggesting a role in combating enteric infections like cryptosporidiosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Gastrointestinal Immunology
- Cellular Immunology
Background:
- Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are crucial immune cells at the gut barrier.
- They are strategically positioned to detect enteric pathogens.
- Their functional capacity in young ruminants requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the proliferative capacity and interferon-gamma production of calf IELs.
- To compare IEL responses to those of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs).
- To explore IEL responsiveness to Cryptosporidium parvum antigen.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and in vitro culture of IELs and PBLs from four-week-old calves.
- Assessment of mitogen-induced blastogenesis.
- Quantification of interferon-gamma production.
- Exposure to Cryptosporidium parvum antigen.
Main Results:
- Calf IELs exhibited comparable blastogenic responses to mitogens as PBLs.
- IELs produced interferon-gamma upon stimulation, similar to PBLs.
- Preliminary data suggested IELs responded to Cryptosporidium parvum antigen.
Conclusions:
- Calf IELs possess functional capabilities similar to PBLs.
- IELs may play a significant role in the immune response to calf enteric infections.
- Further research into IELs' role in cryptosporidiosis is warranted.
Abstract:
Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes are a large and heterogenous population of lymphocytes located strategically at the entry site of enteric pathogens into the body. Their ability to proliferate and produce interferon-gamma in vitro in response to mitogens or interleukin-2 was investigated in four-week-old calves. It was found that they had similar mitogen-induced blastogenic responses and produced interferon-gamma like the peripheral blood lymphocytes of four-week-old calves. Preliminary studies indicated that the intraepithelial lymphocytes also responded to Cryptosporidium parvum antigen in vitro. Thus, intraepithelial lymphocytes may be important in the host's response to enteric infections of calves such as cryptosporidiosis.
