How Porcine Dendritic Cells Respond to Avian Influenza Viruses
Author Information
Author(s): Bel Michael, Ocaña-Macchi Manuela, Liniger Matthias, McCullough Kenneth C., Matrosovich Mikhail, Summerfield Artur
Primary Institution: Institute of Virology and Immunoprophylaxis
Hypothesis
Porcine plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) can efficiently sense and respond to various avian influenza viruses, particularly H5N1, and this response is influenced by the virus dose.
Conclusion
Porcine pDC can produce high levels of interferon-alpha in response to avian influenza viruses, with subtype-specific differences in their responses.
Supporting Evidence
- Porcine pDC can produce significantly higher levels of IFN-α in response to avian influenza viruses compared to mammalian strains.
- Heat treatment of the virus abolished its ability to stimulate pDC, indicating the importance of viral integrity.
- Statistical analyses showed significant differences in IFN-α responses between avian and mammalian viruses at low doses.
Takeaway
This study shows that special immune cells in pigs can detect bird flu viruses and react strongly, especially to the H5N1 type, which can be very dangerous.
Methodology
The study analyzed the response of porcine pDC to various avian influenza viruses by measuring interferon-alpha production in response to different virus doses.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on in vitro responses and may not fully represent in vivo interactions.
Participant Demographics
Porcine blood samples were used to isolate dendritic cells.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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