Anti-fungal immune responses to Pseudogymnoasces destructans in bats affected by white-nose syndrome (VET2P.1041)

White-nose syndrome is a devastating disease affecting bats in North America. It is caused by Pseudogymnoasces destructans, a fungal pathogen that colonizes the muzzles and wings of hibernating bats. Our study focuses on the relative differences between the immune responses of various bat species to this pathogen. The strength and type of immune response triggered by an antigen can be measured by determining the gene expression profile of cytokines. We have developed a quantitative PCR panel for bat cytokine genes in order to measure the immune responses involved in susceptibility to white-nose syndrome. We also used a cytokine ELISA to determine serum cytokine levels. In addition, we analyzed the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratios from blood smears collected both during hibernation and post hibernation, as another measure of immune response over time. By comparing the relative expression of certain cytokine genes, we can determine which subsets of T cells are mediating the immune response to the fungal pathogen. Our research will shed light on the mechanisms by which some bat species have a higher survival rate, and this knowledge can be used to further develop strategies for protecting North America’s bat population.