Impact of maternally derived immunity on immune responses elicited by piglet early vaccination against the most common pathogens involved in porcine respiratory disease complex

Abstract

Background Newborn piglets can trigger an elementary immune response, but the acquirement of specific antibodies and/or cellular immunity against pathogens before they get infected post-natally is paramount to preserve their health. This is especially important for the pathogens involved in porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) as they are widespread, fairly resistant at environment, and genetically variable; moreover, some of them can cause intrauterine/early life infections. Main body Piglet protection can be achieved by either passive transfer of maternal derived immunity (MDI) and/or actively through vaccination. However, vaccinating piglets in the presence of remaining MDI might interfere with vaccine efficacy. Hence, the purpose of this work is to critically review the putative interference that MDI may exert on vaccine efficacy against PRDC pathogens. This knowledge is crucial to design a proper vaccination schedule. Conclusion MDI transferred from sows to offspring could potentially interfere with the development of an active humoral immune response. However, no conclusive interference has been shown regarding performance parameters based on the existing published literature.

Developmental Changes of Immunity and Different Responses to Weaning Stress of Chinese Indigenous Piglets and Duroc Piglets during Suckling and Weaning Periods

“…During the first three weeks, piglets presented the lowest immunity in their life, and their resistance to pathogens was extremely poor [ 16 ]. At this time, weaning reduces the level of circulating antibodies, inhibits cellular immunity, and then affects the growth and development of piglets [ 17 ]. However, Chinese indigenous pigs show excellent characteristics of strong stress resistance, which may be related to their immune responses due to their genetic stability and other stimulation factors.…”

Immune status of piglets during the first week of life: Current knowledge, significance and assessment – a review

“…Early assessment of a piglet's immune status may enable rapid intervention in case of deficiencies or disorders. In addition, knowledge of a piglet's immunocompetence and MDA levels is crucial to designing a proper vaccination schedule (Martínez-Boixaderas et al, 2022). Piglet protection can be achieved by either passively, through the transfer of maternally derived immunity, or actively through vaccination.…”

“…Colostrum and milk thus constitute the only sources of maternal immunity (Rooke and Bland, 2002). It has been confirmed that fetuses can produce their own antibodies against antigens in the final third of gestation (Martinez-Boixaderas et al, 2022); however, their ability to respond to antigen stimuli is feeble (Martínez-Boixaderas et al, 2022). Therefore, although piglets are born immunocompetent, they are immunologically vulnerable and rely on passive immunity early in life (Pomorska-Mól and Markowska-Daniel, 2009).…”

Vaccination Failures in Pigs—The Impact of Chosen Factors on the Immunisation Efficacy

“…We can distinguish two terms that are used to determine the presence of MDAs. The first is called the rate of MDA decay, also known as “half-life”, and refers to the time required for a 50% decrease in MDA concentration [ 21 ]. The second indicates the piglet’s age at which the MDA’s level becomes undetectable [ 21 ].…”

“…The first is called the rate of MDA decay, also known as “half-life”, and refers to the time required for a 50% decrease in MDA concentration [ 21 ]. The second indicates the piglet’s age at which the MDA’s level becomes undetectable [ 21 ]. The duration and level of MDI, however, are not equal even among piglets in the same group.…”