Immunohistochemical Evaluation of TLR-4, HSP-70 and Caspase-3 Expressions in Lesional Areas of Ecthyma Disease.

TLR-4, HSP-70, and caspase-3 upregulation in Orf lesions suggests therapeutic and diagnostic potential.

This immunohistochemical study examined the expression patterns of three key immunological markers—TLR-4, HSP-70, and caspase-3—in lesional tissue from 37 naturally infected contagious ecthyma (Orf) cases. Contagious ecthyma is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants, characterized by thick crusted lesions around oral and nasal regions, with significant economic impact and potential for high mortality in immunocompromised young animals. All three markers demonstrated increased expression in both epithelial cells and inflammatory infiltrates within lesions. TLR-4 plays a critical role in innate immune recognition, HSP-70 functions in cellular stress response, and caspase-3 mediates apoptotic pathways. These findings suggest these molecules are integral to the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying Orf disease. The authors propose that these markers represent potential targets for diagnostic development or therapeutic intervention strategies.

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