title: Expression of essential B cell genes and immunoglobulin isotypes suggests active development and gene recombination during equine gestation.
abstract: Many features of the equine immune system develop during fetal life, yet the naïve or immature immune state of the neonate renders the foal uniquely susceptible to particular pathogens. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical experiments investigated the progressive expression of developmental B cell markers and immunoglobulins in lymphoid tissues from equine fetus, pre-suckle neonate, foal, and adult horses. Serum IgM, IgG isotype, and IgA concentrations were also quantified in pre-suckle foals and adult horses. The expression of essential B cell genes suggests active development and gene recombination during equine gestation, including immunoglobulin isotype switching. The corresponding production of IgM and IgG proteins is detectable in a limited scale at birth. Although the equine neonate humoral response seems competent, B cell activation factors derived from antigen presenting cells and T cells may control critical developmental regulation and immunoglobulin production during the initial months of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Tallmadge
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Secor
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ruano
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Matychak
authors.forename: M Julia B F
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Flaminio
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D017578:Immunoglobulin Class Switching; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D015415:Biomarkers; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D012333:RNA, Messenger