Gluck Center > Directory > Gluck Faculty >Horohov, DW > Research Projects
RESEARCH PROJECTSCharacterization of Interferon-Gamma Production in Foals |
David W. Horohov, Ph.D.
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Recent work in my laboratory has shown that young foals fail to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), a key cytokine involved in the immunity to R. equi and other intracellular pathogens. As they age, the foal’s ability to produce interferon-gamma increases (Figure 2). We have also determined that those foals that develop R. equi infections appear to have even lower levels of IFN-γ compared to uninfected foals (Figure 3). Our current efforts are focused on determining the relationship between IFN-γ expression and susceptibility to R. equi, and identifying how IFN-γ expression is regulated in foals. |
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Figure
1. R. equi-infected
lung
 |
Figure
2. IFN-γ production
in foals
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Figure
3.
Foals infected with R.
equi have reduced levels of IFN-γ expression  |
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Young foals, particularly those less than
6 months of age, are highly susceptible to infection with Rhodococcus
equi, the leading cause of to abscessating bronchopneumonia
in the foal (Figure 1).
Maxwell H.Gluck Equine Research Center
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0099
Main Office (859) 257-4757
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