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Evaluation of the initial host immune response to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in exposed and naive calves using matrix bipolymers

We have developed a model to explore the early immune response to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) in the calf using a gel matrix biopolymer. This system utilized subcutaneous placement of a liquid polymer containing live Map that rapidly polymerizes and retains recruited cellular infiltrates and soluble mediators. After 48 hours the matrix is removed and cellular infiltrates and cytokines are measured by immunofluorescence, multi‐parameter flow cytometry and Luminex ELISA assays. A focus of this study was to evaluate recruitment of gamma‐delta T (gdT) cell subsets to the mycobacterial infection site and determine how these cells influence the development of the adaptive immune response. Our results show distinct cellular and cytokine profiles in the gels recovered from animals that are naïve vs previously sensitized to Map antigen. In addition, our data supports our hypothesis that bovine gdT cell subsets are differentially recruited to early mycobacterial infection sites with respect to prior exposure to Map antigens. We also found that different bovine gdT cell subsets display distinct patterns of cytokine secretion. Our results provide unique insight into initial host responses at mycobacterial infection sites that may promote novel diagnostic strategies. This work was supported by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the Iowa Healthy Livestock Initiative.