Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2024 / V – Animal Breeding and Genetics

DNA is the molecule that contains the genetic information necessary to form an organism and is located in the nucleus of our cells. Specific changes in this structure can influence the immune system’s response, making the organism more vulnerable or resistant to various diseases. One of the research lines of the IRTA’s Animal Breeding and Genetics Program focuses on studying the genetic basis of immunocompetence in pigs. The main goal of this research is to identify genetic markers and immunity biomarkers to select farm animals that are more robust and disease-resistant, thus reducing the use of antibiotics. To achieve this, we use technologies such as genomics and bioinformatics.
Recently, following a natural infection of transitioning pigs with a virulent strain of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), we successfully validated some previously identified genetic markers associated with blood levels of lymphocytes, leukocytes, immunoglobulin G, acute-phase proteins, phagocytic capacity, and gamma-delta T cell populations, which were linked to higher survival rates against the virus.
The results of this study are summarized in the following outreach article:
Validation of genetic markers and immunity phenotypes to improve robustness and disease resistance in pigs.
PorciSapiens, No. 12, October, pp. 62-73, 2024.
https://issuu.com/grupoagrinews/docs/porcisapiens-octubre_2024
Maria Ballester