Effect of a CpG-ODN on the innate immune system of the horse: an in-vivo trial

Oligodeoxynucleotides containing cytosine-phosphate-guanosine motifs (CpG-ODN) represent a class of agonists of Toll-like Receptor 9 (TLR9). TLR9 activation induces the secretion of cytokines and the maturation of immune cells, thus initiating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Therefore, CpG-ODN has been investigated in different species as a potential immune-modulator targeting infectious, allergic and neoplastic diseases. It has been administered by nebulisation to RAO-affected horses with promising results. Nonetheless, there is no in-vivo study on the effect of CpG administered systemically to the horse. Therefore, we tested the effect of CpG, given by intramuscular injection, on the equine immune response. Eight horses were used for this study. Five mg/horse were injected to 4 horses at D0 and D7; the other horses received a placebo (PBS). Blood was collected 2 days prior to each injection, then regularly up to D21. A clinical exam was realised daily. Laboratory analyses included haematology, ELISA tests for IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-10 and cytometry analyses for MCHII and CD86 expressions on B-lymphocytes. A cross-over of the 2 groups was realised after 2 months of washout. CpG was well tolerated. Significant transient eosinopenia, monocytosis and leukopenia were observed after CpG injection, while ELISA and cytometry analyses did not reveal any significant modification. This trial represents the first in-vivo study where CpG is administered systemically to healthy horses. Further studies are needed to adjust the dose, the formulation and the sampling schedule and to fully investigate this molecule as potentiel modulator of the equine immune system.