# Cytokine production by bovine adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction cells upon Neospora caninum stimulation

## TL;DR

Bovine fat tissue cells produce immune-related molecules when exposed to a parasite, suggesting a role in immune response.

## Contribution

First study to show cytokine production by bovine adipose tissue cells in response to Neospora caninum.

## Key findings

- Live Neospora caninum induces IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 in subcutaneous adipose tissue cells.
- Mesenteric adipose tissue cells show increased IL-1β and IL-10 but not IL-6.
- IL-10 levels increase in response to all stimuli, including freeze-killed parasites and LPS.

## Abstract

In bovines few studies addressed the contribution of adipose tissue to the host immune response to infection. Here we evaluated the in vitro response of bovine adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells to the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum, using live and freeze-killed tachyzoites. Live N. caninum induced the production of IL-6, IL-1β and IL-10 by SVF cells isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), while in mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) SVF cell cultures only IL-1β and IL-10 production was increased, showing slight distinct responses between adipose tissue depots. Whereas a clear IL-8 increase was detected in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) culture supernatants in response to live N. caninum, no such increase was observed in SAT or MAT SVF cell cultures. Nevertheless, in response to LPS, increased IL-8 levels were detected in all cell cultures. IL-10 levels were always increased in response to stimulation (live, freeze-killed N. caninum and LPS). Overall, our results show that bovine adipose tissue SVF cells produce cytokines in response to N. caninum and can therefore be putative contributors to the host immune response against this parasite.