Histo-Blood Group Antigen-Producing Bacterial Cocktail Reduces Rotavirus A, B, and C Infection and Disease in Gnotobiotic Piglets.

The suboptimal performance of rotavirus (RV) vaccines in developing countries and in animals necessitates further research on the development of novel therapeutics and control strategies. To initiate infection, RV interacts with cell-surface -glycans, including histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs). We have previously demonstrated that certain non-pathogenic bacteria express HBGA like substances (HBGA) capable of binding RV particles in vitro.

Vitamin A deficiency and vitamin A supplementation affect innate and T cell immune responses to rotavirus A infection in a conventional sow model.

Rotavirus A (RVA) causes ~200,000 diarrheal deaths annually in children <5yrs, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Risk factors include nutritional status, social factors, breastfeeding status, and immunodeficiency. We evaluated the effects of vitamin A (VA) deficiency/VA supplementation and RVA exposure (anamnestic) on innate and T cell immune responses in RVA seropositive pregnant and lactating sows and passive protection of their piglets post-RVA challenge.

Intestinal mucin-type -glycans: the major players in the host-bacteria-rotavirus interactions.

Rotavirus (RV) causes severe diarrhea in young children and animals worldwide. Several glycans terminating in sialic acids (SAs) and histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) on intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) surface have been recognized to act as attachment sites for RV. IECs are protected by the double layer of mucus of which -glycans (including HBGAs and SAs) are a major organic component.

Immune Impairment Associated with Vitamin A Deficiency: Insights from Clinical Studies and Animal Model Research.

Vitamin A (VA) is critical for many biological processes, including embryonic development, hormone production and function, the maintenance and modulation of immunity, and the homeostasis of epithelium and mucosa. Specifically, VA affects cell integrity, cytokine production, innate immune cell activation, antigen presentation, and lymphocyte trafficking to mucosal surfaces. VA also has been reported to influence the gut microbiota composition and diversity.