Pegbovigrastim treatment affects gene expression in neutrophils of pasture-fed, periparturient cows

The function of neutrophils, a key component of innate immunity, is reduced around calving. Injection of pegbovigrastim a week before and at calving has been shown to increase the number of circulating neutrophils and their functionality. This study found that treatment with pegbovigrastim affected gene expression in neutrophils supporting cell adhesion, pattern recognition, inflammation/cytokine response, antimicrobial capacity, and cell survival depending on neutrophil location in blood, uterus or milk, likely resulting in increased protective capacity.