Interferon response in pigs: molecular and biological aspects.
This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on porcine interferons (IFN). Three type I IFN subfamilies (IFN alpha, beta and omega) and one type II IFN (IFN gamma) have been identified in the porcine species. A list of the known porcine IFN genes and already produced recombinant proteins, as compiled from the literature, was included. Two major aspects of porcine IFN were discussed: (1) IFNs as host responses to infections, and (2) IFNs in pregnancy. The first part mainly focusses on the IFN production by virus-infected pigs and the nature of IFN alpha secreting leukocytes. The second part reviews recent data showing the secretion of two different IFNs by the pig embryo at the time of implantation. One striking finding was that a non-lymphoid tissue, namely the porcine trophoblast, was able to secrete high levels of IFN gamma. In addition, the expression of another, newly described, IFN gene was also shown in pig trophectoderm. This novel trophoblastic type I IFN differs from the others in size and sequence. Several hypotheses are discussed on the possible role(s) of porcine embryonic IFNs at the initial stages of gestation.
La Bonnardière
C
C
I.N.R.A., Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Lefèvre
F
F
Charley
B
B
D000818:Animals; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013552:Swine / Q000276:immunology*; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000502:physiology
D007370:Interferon Type I; D007371:Interferon-gamma