Polarization of swine immunity has not been investigated. Prototypical activators of the Th1 and Th2 responses that have been described in human and rodent immune models will be evaluated in swine.
Neonatal pigs have an underdeveloped immune system.
Exposure to T. gondii will be examined at local and systemic sites of infection to evaluate cytokine gene expression, IFN-g production and activation of lymphoid cell surface molecules. The intestinal mucosal response to T. spiralis in pigs will be evaluated based on a model of the interface between the soybean root nematode and the host soybean root tissue. Parasitic nematode infection of the intestine of swine modulates the mucosal immune system resulting in a greater susceptibility to infection with Campylobacter jejuni . Expulsion of gastrointestinal nematode parasites is associated with a type 2 immune response associated with mucosal mast cell degranulation. Developed multiplex PCR test for simultaneous differentiation of all currently recognized genotypes of Trichinella and at the level of single muscle larvae.