A Comprehensive Review of the Bovine Immune Response to Pathogens.

Abstract

Dairy cattle are constantly exposed to a wide range of pathogens, which can produce substantial economic losses. The maintenance of homeostasis is not only dependent on the intrinsic characteristics of the animals but also on environmental factors such as the productive system, heat stress, and exposure to vectors and contaminated pastures. In this context, the bovine immune system plays a critical role in maintaining health and productivity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of both innate and adaptive responses in cattle, remarking on key components and summarizing the normal immune response against some of the most frequent pathogens in bovines, as well as how these pathogens have developed strategies to evade or modulate the host's immune system. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms is essential for improving therapeutic strategies and disease prevention in livestock production.