Gene expression modulation in bovine endometrial cells infected with gammaherpesvirus type 4 and exposed to lipopolysaccharide in the presence of platelet-rich plasma

Abstract

Uterine diseases in cattle are frequently linked to bacterial infections, with pathogens commonly isolated from the uterine lumen. Bovine Gammaherpesvirus Type 4 (BoGHV-4) is notably prevalent in certain regions of Argentina and is associated with uterine diseases in postpartum cattle. This study aims to evaluate the impact of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the gene expression related to BoGHV-4 infection in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), exploring the potential of PRP as a therapeutic alternative. The interaction between LPS and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses, triggering cytokine production and immune activation. Our results show that PRP modulates TLR4 and TNF-α gene expression, indicating a potential inhibitory role in inflammatory processes. Furthermore, PRP alter the temporal dynamics of BoGHV-4 replication by modulating the expression of the viral immediate–early gene (IE-2) and delaying proinflammatory cytokine responses such as IL-8. Notably, PRP enhances IFNγ expression, which could help prevent tissue damage caused by bacterial and viral coinfection. These findings highlight the potential of PRP as an anti-inflammatory agent with therapeutic benefits in treating uterine diseases, offering an alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments.