T-helper cell phenotypes are repeatable, positively correlated, and associated with helminth infection in wild Soay sheep.

Background: T-helper (Th) cells co-ordinate immune responses to ensure that infections with diverse parasites are controlled effectively. Helminth parasites such as gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are generally associated with T-helper type 2 (Th2) responses, while intracellular parasites are associated with Th1 responses. Although laboratory models have reported that Th1 and Th2 can be antagonistic, this has been challenged by studies of natural infections.

Chromosomal genome assembly resolves drug resistance loci in the parasitic nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta.

The parasitic nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta is one of the most important pathogens of sheep and goats in temperate climates worldwide and can rapidly evolve resistance to drugs used to control it. To understand the genetics of drug resistance, we have generated a highly contiguous genome assembly for the UK T. circumcincta isolate, MTci2.

Field testing of recombinant subunit vaccines against in lambing ewes demonstrates a lack of efficacy in the face of a multi-species parasite challenge.

Introduction: We previously demonstrated efficacy of an 8-antigen recombinant subunit vaccine against a single species homologous challenge in lambs and in lambing ewes in pen trials. We subsequently demonstrated efficacy of a simplified, 2-antigen, version of this vaccine in lambs in pen trials. Here, we test both vaccines in lambing ewes in a field setting.

Enhancing the understanding of coinfection outcomes: Impact of natural atypical porcine pestivirus infection on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in pigs.

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) is a novel member of the Pestivirus genus detected in association with congenital tremor (CT) type A-II outbreaks and from apparently healthy pigs, both as singular infection and as part of multi-pathogen infections. 'Classical' pestiviruses are known to cause immunosuppression of their host, which can increase susceptibility to secondary infections, severely impacting health, welfare, and production. To investigate APPV's effect on the host's immune system and characterise disease outcomes, 12 piglets from a natural APPV CT type A-II outbreak were experimentally infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a significant porcine pathogen.

Linking active rectal mucosa-attached microbiota to host immunity reveals its role in host-pathogenic STEC O157 interactions.

The rectal-anal junction (RAJ) is the major colonization site of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 in beef cattle, leading to transmission of this foodborne pathogen from farms to food chains. To date, there is limited understanding regarding whether the mucosa-attached microbiome has a profound impact on host-STEC interactions. In this study, the active RAJ mucosa-attached microbiota and its potential role in host immunity-STEC commensal interactions were investigated using RAJ mucosal biopsies collected from calves orally challenged with two STEC O157 strains with or without functional stx2a (stx2a+ or stx2a-).