Determination of cytokine profiles in populations of dendritic cells from cattle infected with bovine leukaemia virus.

Dendritic cells (DCs) due to their ability to present antigens are essential during the immune response to infections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) infection on DC properties. Cytokine profiles of myeloid, plasmacytoid and monocyte derived DCs from BLV infected cattle were analysed. Concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha in DC cultures were measured by flow cytometry. Obtained results indicated activation of pDCs population, where a significant increase in production of the IFN-gamma was shown. Meanwhile, a decrease in production of IFN-gamma and increase in production of IL-10 were shown in mDCs; the main population responsible for antigens presentation. This may indicate a contributory role of the population during the process of persistent infection. In MoDCs population a significant elevation in secretion of proinflammatory cytokines - IL-6 and TNF-alpha was noted.