Relationship between the expression level of SLA-DQA and Escherichia coli F18 infection in piglets

► Expression of SLA-DQA was assayed in ETEC F18-resistant and -sensitive piglets. ► We compared the age-dependent tissue expression of SLA-DQA in piglets. ► Expression of SLA-DQA increased from 8 to 35 days of post-weaning piglets. ► Up-regulation of SLA-DQA was related to ETEC F18 resistance in piglets. ► The results provided better understanding of mechanism in ETEC F18 resistance.