Mammary Defences and Immunity against Mastitis in Sheep

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The article reviews the defence mechanisms and the relevant processes that occur in the udder of sheep. Due to the importance of the udder in milk production, animals display many defences to protect the organ. These include the teats, the epithelial and the white-blood cells in the udder, the immunoglobulins and chemical substances that all participate in the various processes. These are influenced by many factors, animal- or management-regulated, which must be taken into account in the formulation of prevention schemes against mastitis in sheep. ABSTRACT: The objectives of this review paper are to present udder defences, including teat of the udder, mammary epithelial cells, leucocytes, immunoglobulins, complement system and chemical antibacterial agents, to describe cooperation and interactions between them and to elaborate on potentials regarding their significance in mammary immunisation strategies. The teat of the udder provides initial protection to the mammary gland. The mammary epithelial cells synthesise antibacterial proteins and the leucocytes produce various inflammation mediators (cytokines or chemokines), phagocytose bacteria and recognise antigenic structures. In the mammary gland, four immunoglobulins (IgG1, IgG2, IgM and IgA) have important roles against bacterial pathogens. The complement system is a collection of proteins, participating in the inflammatory process through various pathways. Other components contributing to humoral mammary defence include lactoferrin, lysozyme and the lactoperoxidase/myeloperoxidase systems, as well as oligosaccharides, gangliosides, reactive oxygen species, acute phase proteins (e.g., haptoglobin and serum amyloid A), ribonucleases and a wide range of antimicrobial peptides. Management practices, genetic variations and nutrition can influence mammary defences and should be taken into account in the formulation of prevention strategies against ovine mastitis.