Increases in cytokine and antimicrobial peptide gene expression in horses by immunomodulation with Propionibacterium acnes
Davis, E.G.; Rush, B.R.; Blecha, F.
Veterinary Therapeutics Research in Applied Veterinary Medicine 4(1): 5-11
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1528-3593 PMID: 12756631 Document Number: 559961
Immunomodulation with Propionibacterium acnes is used for prophylaxis of respiratory disease or in horses suffering from chronic pulmonary inflammation; however, the mechanism for this response is poorly understood. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays were used to evaluate gene expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, interferon (IFN)- gamma , and NK-lysin in healthy horses treated with P. acnes. Findings in the study indicated that horses treated with a P. acnes-based immunomodulator exhibited increased IFN- gamma and NK-lysin gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These results suggest that part of the immunostimulating properties of a P. acnes-based immunomodulator is derived from enhanced gene expression of the type-1 cytokine IFN- gamma and NK-lysin, an antimicrobial peptide.