Johne's disease (JD), caused by *Mycobacterium avium* subsp. *paratuberculosis* (MAP), is a chronic disease in ruminants. This study investigated host-MAP interactions using an epithelial passage model. Transcriptomic analysis of bovine PBMCs revealed that epithelial cell infection elicited a prolonged Th17 response (upregulation of IL-17A, IL-17F, and RORC). Global gene downregulation, especially in phagocytic cell surface receptors (Toll-like receptors and MHC class II molecules) and cholesterol efflux transporters, was observed. The findings suggest that MAP persists by manipulating host adaptive immunity and lipid metabolism in phagocytic cells.

Hong-Tae Park, Hyun-Eui Park, Soojin Shim, Suji Kim, Min-Kyoung Shin, Han Sang Yoo