Proinflammatory cytokine expression in the lung of pigs with porcine circovirus type 2-associated respiratory disease

Abstract

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes a significant health problem for the swine industry worldwide. In this study, we investigated the cytokine expression profiles (IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-8, and IL-10) in the lungs of pigs with PCV2-associated respiratory disease. The mRNA expressions of IL-1α and IL-8 were significantly up-regulated in pigs with PCV2-associated respiratory disease, while IL-10 expression was not detected. These results suggest that the increased expressions of proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs may play an important role in the immunopathologic response in pigs with PCV2-associated respiratory disease.