Cytokine RT-qPCR and ddPCR for immunological investigations of the endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) and other mammals.

ABSTRACT: Measurement of cytokine gene expression by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is used widely to assess the immune system of animals and to identify biomarkers of disease, but its application is limited in wildlife species due to a lack of species-specific reagents. The free-ranging endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) experiences significant clinical disease and high pup mortality due to intestinal hookworm infection. Developing immunological tools specific to the species will aid in the assessment of drivers of disease and its impact in population demographics. This study describes the development and validation of cross-reactive RT-qPCR assays to measure five important cytokines involved in innate and Th1/Th2 responses (IL-6, TNFα,

SUBMITTER: Meza Cerda MI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7668205 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature