EFFECT OF HYPODERMIN-A, AN ENZYME SECRETED BY HYPODERMA-LINEATUM (INSECT OESTRIDAE), ON THE BOVINE IMMUNE-SYSTEM

The absence of any inflammatory reaction around the first instar larvae (L1) of Hypoderma sp. in previously uninfested cattle suggested that these larvae may escape the non-specific defence system of the host. Immunosuppression had been noted during an experimental infestation. The aim of this work was to determine more precisely the potential role of hypodermin A (HA), an enzyme secreted by the larvae, in this immunosuppression. HA was found to have no effect on unstimulated lymphocytes from naive cattle but could influence the response of these cells to mitogens. In calves, injection of HA was accompanied by a decrease in the lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogens. This immunodepression lasted only for the duration of enzyme injections. In cattle, when HA is added, the antigen-dependent proliferative response increased significantly after 1 week of injection and disappeared 2 weeks after the end of the injection period. Finally, the rate of production of anti-HA antibodies increased at the same rate for calves and cows, and achieved a similar level. These results suggest that HA significantly modified the lymphoproliferative response for naive cattle and, to a lesser extent, immune cattle during the time of administration only.