The enhancement of Th1 immune response by anti-PD-L1 antibody in cattle infected with <i>Mycobacterium avium</i> subsp. <i>paratuberculosis</i>
Yamato Sajiki, Satoru Konnai, Reiko Nagata, Satoko Kawaji, Hayato Nakamura, Sotaro Fujisawa, Tomohiro Okagawa, Naoya Maekawa, Yukinari Kato, Yasuhiko Suzuki, Shiro MURATA, Yasuyuki Mori, Kazuhiko Ohashi
Abstract
Johne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic enteritis of ruminants. Previous studies have shown that programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is associated with the disease progression, and PD-L1 blockade activates MAP-specific Th1 responses in vitro. Here, we performed anti-PD-L1 antibody administration using 2 MAP-infected cattle at the late subclinical stage of infection. After administration, bacterial shedding was reduced or maintained at a low level. Additionally, MAP-specific Th1 cytokine production was upregulated, and CD69 expression was increased in T cells. Collectively, the treatment has a potential as a novel control method against Johne's disease.