INTRODUCTION

Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) is found worldwide in cattle under natural conditions. However, the effect of BIV infection on immune functions has not been fully characterised.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Transcriptome analysis of BoMac cells after infection with BIV was performed using BLOPlus bovine microarrays. Genes identified as differentially expressed were subjected to functional analysis with the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software (IPA).

RESULTS

Out of 1,743 genes with altered expression, 1,315 were mapped as unique molecules. In total, 718 genes were identified as upregulated and 597 genes as downregulated. Differentially expressed genes were involved in 16 pathways related to immune response. The most enriched canonical pathway was leukocyte extravasation signalling. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) production was indicated as the most activated pathway and the 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4) signalling pathway was the most inhibited one. In addition, the study showed that the inflammatory response was decreased during BIV infection.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report to describe the microarray analysis of changes in gene expression upon BIV infection of bovine macrophages. Our data indicated how BIV influences the expression of genes and signalling pathways engaged in the immune response.