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<OL> <LI> To ascertain the effectiveness of the oral administration of TLR agonists to neonatal swine in the prevention of gut and tissue colonization by Salmonella during the suckling period and post-weaning. <LI> Determine the effects of TLR agonists on the innate immune functions in neonatal swine over time when administered at birth. Specifically, identify the effects of TLR agonist administration on neutrophil and monocyte functions from birth until the post-weaning period.
Approach: Pregnant sows will be obtained and the piglets will be administered toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists (flagellin and CPG-DNA) upon birth. Piglets will then be given Salmonella, and standard procedures will be used to monitor Salmonella shedding and gut colonization. In addition, white blood cells will be obtained from piglets. and in vitro assays will be performed to determine the effects of the TLR agonists on innate immune functions.