The toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) pathway and its possible role in the pathogenesis of Escherichia coli mastitis in dairy cattle.
Mastitis is one of the most costly production diseases in the dairy industry that is caused by a wide array of microorganisms. In this review, we focus on the Gram-negative Escherichia coli infections that often occur at periods when the innate immune defence mechanisms are impaired (i.e., parturition through the first 60 days of lactation). There is substantial evidence demonstrating that at these periods, the expected influx of polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMN) into the mammary gland is delayed during inflammation after intramammary infection with E. coli. Here, we provide some hypotheses on the potential mechanisms of action on how the disease may develop under circumstances of immunosuppression, and describe the potential involvement of the toll-like receptor-4 signal transduction pathway in the pathogenesis of E. coli mastitis. In addition, some ideas are proposed to help prevent E. coli mastitis and potentially other diseases caused by Gram-negative infections in general.
De Schepper
Stefanie
S
Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
De Ketelaere
Adelheid
A
Bannerman
Douglas D
DD
Paape
Max J
MJ
Peelman
Luc
L
Burvenich
Christian
C
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000472:pathogenicity; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000276:immunology*; D008414:Mastitis, Bovine / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology; D010587:Phagocytosis; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*
D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4