Interferon-γ-mediated gene expression in porcine alveolar macrophage; An in vitro model

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are not only important immune cell of the host, but also target a variety respiratory pathogens. They play an role in defense against pathogen invasion and maintaining tissue balance. Interferon (IFN)-γ is well known multipotent cytokine that has antiviral antibacterial activity enhances antigen presentation. To better reveal biological processes porcine AMs activated by IFN-γ, transcriptomic analysis was performed using Illumina HiSeqTM technique. The results identified 2,248 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which 753 were upregulated 1,495 downregulated, 12 h after IFN-γ stimulation, compared with mock-treated AMs. A gene ontology function enrichment these DEGs indicated significantly enriched functional clusters such as response, intracellular signaling cascades. Analyzing Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes Genomes pathways showed mainly involved cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, alpha linolenic acid metabolism, RIG-I-like pathway. This study shows massive expression change occurred following critical for understanding mechanisms IFN-γ-mediated macrophage activation regulation.