Description
Infection with non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (ncpBVDV) is associated with uterine disease and infertility. This study investigated the influence of ncpBVDV on immune functions of the bovine endometrium by testing the response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at the level of whole-transcriptomic gene expression. Analysis showed that approximately 30% of the 1,006 genes altered by LPS are involved in immune response. Many innate immune genes that typically respond to LPS were inhibited by ncpBVDV including those involved in pathogen recognition, inflammation, interferon response, chemokines, tissue remodeling, cell migration and cell death/survival. Infection with ncpBVDV can thus compromise immune function and pregnancy recognition thereby potentially predisposing infected cows to postpartum bacterial endometritis and reduced fertility.