title: Characterization of the immune response to Mycoplasma bovis lung infection.
abstract: To better understand the interaction between Mycoplasma bovis and its bovine host, we have characterized the immune response generated during an experimental lung infection with M. bovis. Proliferation ([3H]-thymidine blastogenesis) and Th1/Th2 cytokine production were used to monitor peripheral cellular immune responses. Flow cytometry analysis was used to determine T-cell subset activity by CD25 expression. Humoral immune response was monitored by the identification of antigen-specific IgG1 and IgG2 isotypes over time. Herein, we show that M. bovis antigen stimulates activation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in vitro in a manner consistent with memory, and that gammadelta-T cells are activated by antigen in a manner consistent with innate immunity. In addition, the percentage of cells producing IFN-gamma during recall response is equal to that of IL-4 producing cells. Serological analysis shows M. bovis stimulates increased production of antigen-specific IgG1 while very little IgG2 is produced. We therefore submit that experimental lung infection of cattle with M. bovis results in a Th2-skewed immune response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Medical Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Building #5, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
authors.forename: Tony J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Vanden Bush
authors.forename: Ricardo F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Rosenbusch
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D002417:Cattle; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D009174:Mycoplasma / Q000276:immunology*; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D016207:Cytokines