BLV is an agent of enzootic bovine leukaemia (EBL), an infectious disease affecting cattle worldwide. BLV infection has been associated with immune system disorders and discrepancies in the cytokine network. The significance of dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of BLV infection is largely unknown, but considering their fundamental role in immune response it may be crucial. Dcs precursors were isolated with the use of immunomagnetic beads from BLV-infected and BLV-free cows. From these precursors cultures of monocyte derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) were generated with the use of a cytokine cocktail (IL-4 and GM-CSF). Additionally, parallel DCs from BLV-negative animals were infected in vitro. The level of cytokines: IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p40), IL-12(p70) was determined in DC cultures: infected in vitro, originating from naturally infected cattle and BLV-free cattle. The investigation showed significant changes in almost all analyzed populations of BLV-infected Dcs. Cytokine profiles of blood MoDCs indicated activation of these groups during infection. In the case of spleen MoDCs and lymph node MoDCs a decrease in production of IL-12(p40) and IL-12(p70) in favour of IL-6 and IL-10 was noted, suggesting promotion of BLV infection development.
The aim of the study was to develop an in situ PCR (IS-PCR) method for detection of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in cell cultures. Samples from five BLV positive and five BLV negative cows were collected and dendritic cells (DCs) from blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph node were cultured. Cultures prepared from healthy animals were infected with BLV. After two weeks, the cells were tested by nested PCR and IS-PCR for the presence of proviral DNA. As a positive control adherent cell line permanently infected with BLV was used. BLV was successfully detected by IS-PCR in DCs from naturally infected cattle and DCs infected in vitro. In control, non-infected DCs, the results of the reaction were negative. The results of provirus detection by IS-PCR were similar with these performed with nested PCR. Additionally, IS-PCR provides many advantages, like specific localisation of infection and smaller number of cells needed as template for PCR.
Determination of telomerase activity was performed with the use of telomerase PCR ELISA method in blood lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and cells isolated from lymphatic organs. Telomerase activity was detected in almost all investigated samples, but relative telomerase activity was on different levels. The highest activity of telomerase was determined in human tumour cell lines and FLK-BLV cells, but negative results were obtained in samples from healthy cows. The results of this study indicated that telomerase could be a useful marker for leukosis in cattle and various malignancies in other animals.