Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Antibodies
Antibodies in horses are specialized proteins produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances, known as antigens. These substances can include pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Antibodies function by recognizing and binding to specific antigens, thereby neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells. In equine health, antibodies are integral to both natural immune responses and those induced by vaccinations. The study of antibodies in horses encompasses their production, diversity, and role in disease resistance and management. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the generation, function, and implications of antibodies in equine immunology and disease control.
Integrated workflow for production and in vitro characterization of equine anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune serum with epitope mapping. This study establishes an integrated workflow linking antibody production, neutralization assessment, and epitope mapping, supporting the identification of antigenic regions recognized by polyclonal antibodies generated in vivo. The viral suspension was inactivated with β-propiolactone under biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) conditions, with no cytopathic effect or plaque formation observed, confirming loss of viral replicative capacity. The produced immunogen retained antigenic activity, as demonstrated by reactivity with IgG antibodies from vaccinated and previously infected individuals. Protein an...
Evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from glycoproteins gp45 and gp90 as candidates for the immunodiagnosis of equine infectious anemia. The international scientific community continues to promote the development of diagnostic techniques with improved performance and novel capture antigens. On this basis, two synthetic peptides derived from gp45 and gp90 were evaluated to identify the best candidate for the indirect immunodetection of infection. In both assays, 68 serum samples from naturally infected horses in Granma Province (59 seropositive and 9 seronegative), previously classified using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test, were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of each candidate peptide was assessed by calculating ...
Inter-individual variability in equine antibody responses to African snake venoms follows heavy-tailed distributions with implications for antivenom production. Variability in the antibody response of horses used for snake antivenom manufacture is well recognized, yet its statistical structure and implications for industrial productivity remain poorly characterized. In this study, we quantified antivenom antibody titers by ELISA in a cohort of 14 horses immunized with venoms from the clinically most important snakes in sub-Saharan Africa. To integrate antibody levels with plasma availability, we calculated the Cumulative Plasma Productivity (CPP) by converting individual plasma volumes into titer-corrected equivalents and sequentially pooling these vo...
Equine sentinels and one health: a comprehensive serological survey of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in southeastern and Central Europe. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the widespread tick-borne viral disease affecting humans with endemic circulation across Africa, Asia, Eastern and Southern Europe. Climate change, global travel, and animal trade have accelerated the expansion of spp., the primary tick vectors of CCHF, into previously non-endemic areas, including the Czech Republic. To assess the current distribution of CCHF in equids across Southeastern and Central Europe, we screened serum samples from horses and donkeys from Bulgaria ( = 579), Romania ( = 1,534), and the Czech Republic ( = 576) by the ...
Multivalent Disabled Infectious Single Animal (DISA)-DIVA vaccine for all nine serotypes of African horse sickness virus (AHSV) is broadly protective in IFNAR (-/-) mice. African horse sickness (AHS) is a highly severe, midge-borne disease of equids showing a mortality rate of > 90% in naive domestic horses. Outbreaks are caused by AHS virus (AHSV) and result in devastating economic losses in developing countries as equids play a crucial role in the agricultural industry and many households. The AHSV species encompasses nine serotypes showing no or limited cross protection, which is challenging regarding AHS vaccine development. Recently, and like bluetongue virus (BTV), the AHS Disabled Infectious Single Animal (DISA)-DIVA vaccine platform was developed...
Seroprevalence of Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi in healthy horses from the province of Alberta, Canada. Literature on the seroprevalence of antibodies to the causative agents of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in Canada is limited. Objective: To determine the prevalence of serum antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi in apparently healthy horses without signs of neurologic disease which have always resided in Alberta, Canada, using commercially available immunodiagnostic tests. Methods: Samples from 116 healthy horses were obtained from a biobank containing horse serum collected across Alberta in 2021 and 2022. Samples were selected based on owner survey responses, ...
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus Exposure in Horses and Donkeys in Border Livestock Markets of Nigeria. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of major public health importance in Africa. Although CCHFV exposure has been reported in several livestock species in Nigeria, data on equids remain limited despite their extensive involvement in livestock movement and trade. This study assessed CCHFV seroprevalence in horses and donkeys in major international livestock markets in northern Nigeria and examined factors associated with exposure. Methods: From June 2023 to July 2024, a longitudinal sero-surveillance study was conducted in three high-volume livestock...
Development and evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for measuring antibodies against VP8∗ receptor binding domain of equine rotavirus A. Equine rotavirus A (ERVA) poses a significant threat to foal health, necessitating reliable serological tools for assessing protective immune responses. This study focused on the development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the measurement of antibodies against the VP8∗ receptor binding core domain of ERVA. Following the expression and purification of VP8∗ receptor binding domain from the bacterial expression system, the ELISA for detecting anti-ERVA VP8∗ antibodies with VP8∗ as a coating antigen was developed and its performance was validated by the comparative anal...
In Vitro Characterization of an Equinized Anti-PD-L1 Antibody for Cancer Immunotherapy in Horses. Horses develop spontaneous tumors, typically in old age. Although local tumor control can be achieved using conventional therapies, systemic therapies are required to treat recurrent and/or metastatic tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-L1 antibodies, have been approved for the treatment of various tumor types in humans; however, little is known about the immunosuppressive roles of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in horses, and the therapeutic potential of these inhibitors remains to be elucidated. Previously, we reported that the rat monoclonal anti-PD-L1 antibody 6C11-3A11 cross-rea...
Cross-neutralization and antigenic characterization of simian and equine group A rotaviruses. Rotaviral diarrhea in foals is caused by two dominant G3P[12] and G14P[12] genotypes of equine rotavirus A (ERVA). Protection of foals against ERVA infection and disease is achievable by passive antibody transfer through colostrum from mares receiving inactivated monovalent G3P[12] vaccine. Simian rotavirus SA11 G3P[2] is also included in ERVA vaccines to protect foals. Here, we characterized cross-neutralization and protection among three distinctive rotaviruses carrying the same or different G (defined by VP7) or P (defined by VP4) genotype by using a rabbit and equine monospecific antisera ...
Survey occurrence of serum antibodies against Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma cruzi, agents with zoonotic potential, in horses from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. In this research, a seroepidemiological survey was conducted on 202 horses located on 21 properties in the northwestern region of the state of São Paulo (Brazil) to estimate exposure to Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Trypanosoma cruzi. Antibodies against Leishmania, T. gondii and T. cruzi, were detected in 48 (23.76%), 29 (14.36%) and 2 (0.99%) of the 202 horses, respectively. We found a significantly higher occurrence of antibodies against Leishmania compared to those against the other protozoa (Chi-Square = 46.7, 2 d.f., P < 0.001). Seropositivity for the aforementioned prot...
Synthetic progestin treatment alters cytokine expression and impairs vaccine response in horses. Altrenogest is commonly used in equine veterinary medicine for the control of estrus, behavioral modifications, and maintenance of pregnancy. Recent studies have found that altrenogest may impact aspects of the immune system, including altering cytokine production in circulation and within the reproductive tract. Therefore, we hypothesize that this alteration may lead to a deviated immune response to vaccination. Sixteen mares were divided into two groups, with ten mares (n = 10) receiving long-acting injectable altrenogest (100 mg/mL; IM) administered every 10 days, and six mares (n =...
The 2025 outbreak of equine influenza among draft horses at Obihiro Racecourse, Hokkaido, Japan. In 2025, an outbreak of equine influenza occurred among draft horses at Obihiro Racecourse in Hokkaido, Japan. The number of horses showing clinical signs increased dramatically in April. The proportion affected was significantly higher in 2-year-olds than in older groups. The proportion that developed fever during the outbreak was significantly higher than that observed among Thoroughbreds during the 2007 outbreak. In non-epidemic periods, the geometric mean hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer of 2-year-old draft horses was significantly lower than that of 2-year-old Thoroughbreds. The...
Nationwide Serological Survey of Equine Trypanosomosis in Kazakhstan. Equine trypanosomosis remains an important veterinary concern in regions where horses play a significant economic and cultural role. In Kazakhstan, comprehensive nationwide data on the seroepidemiological status of equine trypanosomes are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the serological distribution of equine trypanosomosis across all administrative regions of Kazakhstan using complement fixation testing (CFT). A total of 6065 equine serum samples were collected from seventeen regions between 2023 and 2025. Antibodies against members of the subgenus were detected using a WOAH-reco...
Computational modelling of the equine arteritis virus GP5/M Dimer: Implications for immune evasion and virulence. Equine arteritis virus (EAV) is a positive-stranded RNA virus of the Arteriviridae family. Its GP5/M dimer, the principal component of the viral envelope, mediates virus budding and serves as a key target for neutralizing antibodies. Using AlphaFold3, we predicted the 3D structure of the EAV GP5/M dimer and compared it to its homolog in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Both complexes share a conserved architecture comprising a short ectodomain, three helical transmembrane regions, and a β-sheet-rich endodomain. EAV GP5 features a longer ectodomain with four α-heli...
Horse immune response of recombinant Lawsonia intracellularis vaccine: Assessing the immunomodulatory impact of probiotic supplementation. Equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE), caused by Lawsonia intracellularis induces intestinal epithelial hyperplasia, resulting in malabsorption, weight loss, colic, and diarrhea. Despite its clinical and economic importance, no equine-specific vaccine is commercially available. Recombinant subunit vaccines are a safe and scalable alternative; however, their immunogenicity often requires improvement. Probiotic supplementation with Bacillus toyonensis may act as an immunomodulatory strategy to potentiate vaccine efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of a recombinant protein ...
A novel oral immunotherapy strategy using transgenic barley induces Culicoides allergen-specific immune responses in horses. Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a seasonal, IgE-mediated allergic dermatitis of horses caused by salivary gland proteins of biting midges ( spp.). Current management relies on relief of clinical signs and on physical protection. In a previous pilot study, healthy horses were fed transgenic barley expressing a allergen via a special spiral bit, which successfully induced allergen-specific antibody responses. Building on this concept, the present study aimed to evaluate a more practical feeding approach, delivering transgenic barley expressing the major allergen Cul o 2p in a feed-compat...
Advances in ELISA-based detection of equine leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a globally distributed zoonosis that affects both humans and animals, with being the main causative agent. In horses, the disease is associated with considerable economic losses. The Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) is the reference test for diagnosis but has limitations, emphasizing the need for effective diagnostic alternatives. In this study, was evaluated the use of a recombinant chimera, composed of ErpY-like and LemA proteins, as an antigen for ELISA-based detection of equine leptospirosis. The chimera was successfully expressed, purified and tested on 915 horse ser...
The trajectories of relative concentrations of antirhodococcal immunoglobulin A differ from those of immunoglobulin G subisotypes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid but not serum of foals. To characterize age-related trajectories of the relative concentrations of anti-virulence-associated protein A (VapA) immunoglobulin (Ig)-G1, IgG3/5, IgG4/7, and IgA in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as indicators of systemic and intrapulmonary immune responses in foals naturally exposed to Rhodococcus equi. Unassigned: Blood and BALF samples were collected at ages 4, 14, 28, and 56 days from healthy Quarter Horse foals (n = 19) naturally exposed to R equi. Samples were tested via ELISA for relative concentration of IgG1, IgG3/5, IgG4/7, and IgA recognizing the VapA of R equi. D...
A Novel Equine F[ab’]2 Veterinary Antivenom for North American Viperid Snake Envenomation Demonstrates Efficacy by Rapid Serum Venom Removal and Improvement in Snakebite Severity Score. To assess the efficacy of a new equine F[ab'] antivenom (US Department of Agriculture code 6101.05) in removing serum venom and lowering the snakebite severity score (SSS) in animals suffering from naturally occurring viperid envenomation. Methods: Retrospective study, April 2020 to October 2021. Methods: Veterinary hospitals across four North American regions. Methods: Twenty-two dogs, one cat, and one horse. Methods: All patients received the new antivenom intravenously and were assessed for clinical response. Most dogs required one vial for clinical control of signs. Results: Among the dogs...
Antibody responses to equine parapoxvirus reveal a re-emerging pattern. Parapoxviruses (PPV) cause skin and mucous membrane signs to several animal species and humans worldwide. Equine parapoxvirus (EqPPV) was first detected in a sick horse in Finland in 2013. It is potentially zoonotic, and a similar virus has been detected in humans in the USA. In winter 2021–2022, EqPPV caused a large-scale pastern dermatitis epidemic in racehorses all over Finland. Field reports suggest that similar epidemics of unverified cause have also occurred in 2015 and 2019. The aim of this study was to develop a serological test and study the immune response, seroprevalence, and hist...
Seroepidemiological survey of Rhodococcus equi infection in adult horses in Mongolia. ELISA antibody titers against Rhodococcus equi strain ATCC 6939 were measured in serum samples collected from 644 horses aged 1-21 years at 13 provinces and the capital of Mongolia, of which 631 (98%) samples showed values of approximately zero. The mean antibody titers in the 14 areas ranged from -0.08 to -0.01. Nine samples (1.4%) exhibited titers of 0.1-0.2, and surprisingly, four horses (0.6%) each aged 2, 5, 8, and 9 years demonstrated positive values in the range of 0.3-0.8. Considering the age resistance characteristic of this disease, the positive horses were hypothesized to exhibit no...
Cell Surface Vimentin Is an Attachment Factor That Facilitates Equine Arteritis Virus Infection In Vitro. Our laboratory identified the susceptible allelic variant of equine CXCL16 protein (EqCXCL16S) as an entry receptor for equine arteritis virus (EAV). However, EAV has a broad host cell tropism and infects cells that lack EqCXCL16S. Thus, we hypothesized that EAV interacts with other host cell protein(s) that facilitate EAV infection. A virus overlay protein-binding assay in combination with a Far-Western blot from EAV-susceptible equine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (EECs) and equine dermal fibroblasts (E. Derm) identified a 57 kDa protein, present in the membrane fraction of the protein ...
Serological Assays to Measure Rabies Antibody Response in Equine Serum Samples. Rabies is a neglected tropical zoonotic disease caused by rabies-virus (RV) infection and is responsible for almost 60,000 annual deaths globally, largely affecting the socio-economically disadvantaged population. Although fatality is preventable by immunization either before or after exposure with therapeutic antibodies, the high cost of prophylaxis or treatment limits their accessibility for the affected population. However, due to the almost 100% fatality rate in symptomatic individuals, almost 29 million annual vaccinations are performed, imposing high financial burden. Human transmission ...
Production and characterization of rNGFSP: a recombinant fusion immunogen eliciting dual anti-NGF and anti-Substance P therapeutic antibodies for Degenerative Joint Disease. Anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies have recently been approved for treating degenerative joint disease, including osteoarthritis pain, in dogs and cats. However, their widespread use is limited by high cost and the requirement for repeated injections. Nerve Growth Factor and Substance P play central roles in the initiation and maintenance of inflammation and chronic pain in OA. There is a pressing need for new, safe, cost-effective therapies that target the underlying mechanisms of OA chronic pain. Here, we designed and produced a novel recombinant fusion protein, termed rNGFSP, which functions as...
Isolation of Madariaga Virus (MADV) in a Horse Coinfected with Equine Infectious Anemia in Venezuela: A Review of MADV Circulation in the Country. Madariaga virus (MADV), formerly known as the South American variant of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV), is an alphavirus that belongs to the family and has been periodically infecting equids in Venezuela since its first identification in 1975. This study reports the isolation and molecular characterization of MADV isolated from a horse in December 2024 in the context of MADV cases reported in Venezuela. Methods: Antibodies to the rabies virus were detected by indirect immunofluorescence, and to the Equine Infectious Anemia virus (EIAV) by passive immunodiffusion. MADV RNA was detect...
Comparative analysis of the organization and complexity of immunoglobulin light chain loci in equids. This study investigated three donkey breeds-Guanzhong, Jiami, and Northern Shaanxi-to characterize the structural organization and diversification mechanisms of the immunoglobulin light-chain (IgL) loci and to conduct both intra-breed and interspecies comparisons with horses. The donkey IGλ locus is located on chromosome 8 and arranged in a Vλ-(Jλ-Cλ)-Vλ configuration. It contains 7 Cλ genes, each preceded by a corresponding Jλ gene to form a Jλ-Cλ cluster. Upstream of this cluster, 156 Vλ genes were identified, including 29 potential functional genes; downstream, 98 Vλ genes were d...
Post-surgical seroreversion in a case of equine cutaneous leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum. Equine leishmaniosis, caused by Leishmania infantum and transmitted by infected sand flies, has been increasingly reported in Europe, although clinical and immunological data remain scarce. We describe a 10-year-old mare from southern Spain presenting with periocular nodular lesions. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed granulomatous dermatitis with intrahistiocytic Leishmania amastigotes. Additionally, Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in paraffin embedded skin biopsy. Following surgical removal of the lesions, sequential serological monitoring using enzyme-linked immunosorben...
Serum cortisol concentrations in newborn foals are increased by transfusion with anti-rhodococcal hyperimmune plasma and inversely associated with immunoglobulin activity. Transfusion of Rhodococcus equi hyperimmune plasma (REHIP) to neonatal foals is done to reduce the incidence of rhodococcal pneumonia. Objective: To determine effects in newborn foals of REHIP transfusion on serum cortisol concentrations; the association of serum cortisol concentrations with serum globulin concentration and anti-rhodococcal immunoglobulin activity; and cumulative incidence of rhodococcal pneumonia. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 356 newborn foals from 13 New York farms immediately before and after transfusion of 1 L or 2 L of REHIP. Serum samples were assayed for c...
A study on the prevalence of cyathostomin and Anoplocephala perfoliata infections in Italian horses: diagnostic testing and analysis of factors affecting infection risk. Cyathostomins and Anoplocephala perfoliata infect equids worldwide and both are of concern due to their potential to cause clinical disease. Although coprological techniques are commonly used for assessing helminth egg shedding these do not provide information about an individual's total parasite burden. Antibody-based tests provide information on infection levels within individuals. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate cyathostomin and Anoplocephala perfoliata occurrence in Italian horses using coprological and serum-based antibody detection methods and to analyse risk factors for infectio...
