Enhanced mucosal response in sheep harbouringβAbeta‐globin against haemonchosis

Abstract

AbstractAssociation between ovine β‐globin polymorphisms and resistance against haemonchosis was described and related to the mechanism of high oxygen affinity βA➔ βCswitch during anaemia, but there are no studies regarding the involved local host responses. Phenotypic parameters and local responses were evaluated in sheep from two β‐globin haplotypes naturally infected withHaemonchus contortus. Morada Nova lambs were monitored at 63, 84 and 105 days of age for faecal egg counts and packed cell volume (PCV) under natural infection withH. contortus. At 210 days of age, lambs of Hb‐AA and Hb‐BB β‐globin haplotypes were euthanised, and the fundic region of abomasum was sampled for evaluation of microscopic lesions and relative expression of genes related to immune, mucin and lectin activities. Lambs harbouring the βAallele presented an improved resistance/resilience against clinical haemonchosis, showing higher PCV during infection. Hb‐AA animals presented increased eosinophilia in the abomasum compared to Hb‐BB animals, accompanied by higher Th2 profile, mucin and lectin activity transcripts, while the inflammatory response was increased in Hb‐BB animals. This is the first report to demonstrate an enhanced local response in the primary site ofH. contortusinfection related to βAallele of β‐globin haplotype.