Type III Interferon Receptor in the Pteropid Bat
Author Information
Author(s): Zhou Peng, Cowled Chris, Marsh Glenn A., Shi Zhengli, Wang Lin-Fa, Baker Michelle L.
Primary Institution: Australian Animal Health Laboratory, CSIRO Livestock Industries, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Hypothesis
The study aims to characterize the type III interferon receptor in the black flying fox, Pteropus alecto.
Conclusion
The bat IFNλR1 serves as a functional receptor for IFN-λ, indicating its role in the antiviral immune response of bats.
Supporting Evidence
- Bats are natural reservoirs for many deadly viruses but show no symptoms of disease.
- The study provides the first molecular characterization of the IFNλR system in any species of bat.
- Bat IFNλR1 has a wide tissue distribution and is responsive to IFN-λ treatment.
- Immune cells in bats express high levels of IFNλR1 and respond to IFN-λ treatment.
Takeaway
Bats can fight off viruses without getting sick, and this study found a special receptor in bats that helps them do that.
Methodology
The study involved molecular cloning and functional characterization of IFNλR1 and IL10R2 genes from bat tissues and cell lines.
Limitations
The study does not identify specific immune cell types that express IFNλR1 and respond to IFN-λ.
Participant Demographics
The study used tissues from three individual apparently healthy wild-caught bats.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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