FcRn is not the receptor mediating the transfer of serum IgG to colostrum in pigs

Abstract

In contrast to humans or rabbits, in which maternal IgG is transmitted to offspring prenatally via the placenta or the yolk sac, large domestic animals such as pigs, cows and sheep transmit IgG exclusively through colostrum feeding after delivery. The extremely high IgG content in colostrum is absorbed by newborns via the small intestine. Although it is widely accepted that the neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, is the receptor mediating IgG transfer across both the placenta and small intestine, it remains unclear whether FcRn also mediates serum IgG transfer across the mammary barrier to colostrum/milk, especially in large domestic animals. In this study, using a FcRn knockout pig model generated with a CRISPR-Cas9-based approach, we clearly demonstrate that FcRn is not responsible for the IgG transfer from serum to colostrum in pigs, although like in other mammals, it is involved in IgG homeostasis and mediates IgG absorption in the small intestine of newborns.

Porcine ZBED6 regulates growth of skeletal muscle and internal organs via multiple targets

“…The methods used for knocking out ZBED6 in Bama miniature pigs were similar to those in previous studies [ 26 ]. Four single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed according to the sequence of ZBED6 using Optimized CRISPR Design tools ( http://crispr.mit.edu/ ) and synthesized by GBI (Guangzhou, China).…”

Immunity and Behaviour of Lambs Born from Ewes Fed a Flushing Diet Containing EPA and DHA

“…However, in ruminants, there are placental barriers. Therefore, the transfer of immunoglobulin from Ewe to Lamb depends on colostrum (Ke et al 2021). In this study, immunoglobulin concentration in lambs at 7 days of age is 0.42-0.67 mg/mL.…”

“…Ideally, maternal immunity should be transferred to the Lamb in utero. However, placental barriers in ruminants may not allow IgG transmission (Ke et al 2021). Therefore, the Immune status of the Lamb depends on passive transfer from colostrum content.…”