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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: This paper presents a brief overview of current knowledge of the immunological defense mechanisms of the bovine mammary gland and the potential for development of vaccines. The sequence of events from entry of the bacteria into the mammary gland, adherence and penetration of epithelial tissue, antigen presentation to antibody producing cells and production of antibodies and to cytotoxic T cells. Antigen presenting cells include macrophages, B cells and dendritic cells that present antigen via MHCII complexes to T helper cells, which in turn differentiate into Th1 cells that control cell-mediated immunity or Th2 cells that differentiate into antibody producing cells. The relative pathway taken is governed by type of antigen presenting cells, antigen concentration and the presence of cytokines (proteins secreted by cells of the immune system that have effector function on other immune cells). It appears that all the necessary components for mounting an immune response to invading pathogens are present in the mammary gland. But, these immune mechanisms are compromised in lacteal secretions due to low Ig, complement and cell concentration and inhibiting factors such as casein and fat. These limiting factors may be overcome by enhancing various aspects of the immune mechanisms via vaccines and immunostimulants. Our current awareness of many of the factors involved in response to invading pathogens will aid in the design of studies that should result in the production of effective vaccines against mastitis. |
