The role of interleukin-10 receptor alpha (IL10Rα) in Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection of a mammary epithelial cell line.

Background: Johne's disease is a chronic wasting disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Johne's disease is highly contagious and MAP infection in dairy cattle can eventually lead to death. With no available treatment for Johne's disease, genetic selection and improvements in management practices could help reduce its prevalence.