Bovine Immune Responses to Moraxella bovis and Moraxella bovoculi Following Vaccination and Natural or Experimental Infections

Abstract

Studies have sought to develop effective vaccines against infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). Most research has focused on parenterally administered vaccines against Moraxella bovis antigens; however, researchers have also included Moraxella bovoculi antigens in vaccines to prevent IBK. Critical knowledge gaps remain as to which Moraxella spp antigens might be completely protective, and whether systemic, mucosal, or both types of immune responses are required for protection against IBK associated with Moraxella spp. Immune responses to commensal Moraxella spp residing in the upper respiratory tract and eye have not been analyzed to determine if these responses control colonization or contribute to IBK.

Keywords: Commensal bacteria; IgA antibody; IgG antibody; Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK); Moraxella bovis; Moraxella bovoculi; Mucosal immunity; Systemic immunity.