Whole-Blood Gene-Expression Profiles of Cows Infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis Reveal Changes in Immune Response and Lipid Metabolism

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of Johne's disease, a chronic debilitating disease affecting ruminants worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to determine the major gene networks and pathways underlying the immune response to MAP infection using whole-blood cells, as well as provide the potential transcriptional markers for identifying the status of MAP infection. We analyzed the transcriptional profiles of whole-blood cells of cattle identified and grouped according to the presence of MAP-specific antibodies and the MAP shed by them. The grouping was based on the results obtained by ELISA and PCR analyses as follows: i) Testi group: MAP-negative results obtained by ELISA and positive results obtained by PCR; ii) Test2 group: MAP-positive results obtained by ELISA and negative results obtained by PCR; iii) Test3 group: MAP-positive results obtained by ELISA and positive results obtained by PCR; iv) uninfected control: MAP-negative results obtained both by ELISA and PCR analysis. The results showed down-regulated production and metabolism of reactive oxygen species in the Test1 group, activation of pathways related to the host-defense response against MAP (LXR/RXR activation and complement system) in the Test2 and Test3 groups, and anti-inflammatory response (activation of IL-10 signaling pathway) only in the Test3 group. Our data indicate a balanced response that serves the immune-limiting mechanism while the host-defense responses are progressing.