Changes in innate and adaptive immune response to Lagovirus europaeus GI.1 (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus -RHDV) infection

Abstract

Lagovirus europaeus GI.1 (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus – RHDV) is a virus that causes rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) that affects domestic and wild rabbits worldwide. Due to the fact that the impact of RHDV on the host organism, and more precisely, its influence on the immune system, is crucial for the spread of this infection in rabbits, it is very important to understand the role of the immune system components in the course of infection with this virus. The aim of the study was to present innate and adaptive immune response to three strains (V411, 1092V, Wika) of the Lagovirus europaeus GI.1 (RHDV) identified at different times. Twelve indices were examined for the innate immune response and nine for the adaptive response. The results indicate that PMN cells (polymorphonuclear cells, neutrophils) play an important role in the response to this infection and give new insights into the function of CD4+ Th and CD8+ Tc lymphocytes. The most immunogenic was the Wika strain from 1996.

Keywords

• neutrophil
• lymphocytes
• viral infection
• rabbits
• rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus