Age-related differences in bovine immunocompetence and IL-17 production.

The induction of cytokine secretion is vital to mounting successful and protective innate and adaptive immune responses. Cytokines produced by innate effector cells can shape the subsequent T-cell differentiation that takes place, thus shaping the future memory response. In cattle there are marked differences in the proportion of leukocytes in circulation in neonates in comparison to older animals. However, little is known of their functional differences. Herein we seek a student to examine the differences in macrophage competence in terms of production of IL-13, IL-12 and IL-6, these being cytokines that condition T-cells to become T-helper 2, 1, and 17 producers respectively.
Students will isolate blood resident monocytes and culture these to become macrophages - whereupon they will be stimulated to secrete cytokines in a specific and non-specific manner. Kinetics of cytokine production will be monitored over a 72hr period. Age-related differences will be monitored using neonatal animals (<6 weeks) and adult animals (>6 months).
On rotation students will get training in cell isolation and culture, cytokine detection and RNA isolation/qPCR. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to develop data analysis and handling skills.