Authors : Su Jiazi, Zhang Jinyu, Zhang Mingjun, Meng Jilun, Guo Jiang, Li Zezhong, Guan Yuntao, Li Yanbing, Sun Boxing and Zhao Zhihui
Abstract: Different species have different susceptibilities to Avian Influenza Virus (AIV). In the present study, the expression profiles of Immunoglobulins (Igs) in different tissues of Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) chickens and ducks infected with AIV were examined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and compared with those of normal controls. The results showed that the copy numbers of IgA in AIV-infected chickens and ducks sharply increased in the spleen, thymus, bursa of Fabricius, lung and tracheal mucosa (p<0.05). Significant changes were also observed in the expression of IgM and IgY in the spleen, thymus and bursa of fabricius in AIV-infected chickens and ducks (p<0.05). Ducks had higher expression of all three Ig classes than chickens after AIV infection. Additionally, ducks expressed a unique form of IgY (ΔFc) that exhibited significant changes in the spleen, thymus, bursa of Fabricius and lungs following AIV infection (p<0.05). The unique form was expressed at higher levels than full-length IgY. The expression patterns of these Igs may explain why chickens and ducks have different disease signs following AIV infection. The expression of immunoglobulin could affect the susceptibility of chickens and ducks to the H5N1 influenza virus.
Su Jiazi, Zhang Jinyu, Zhang Mingjun, Meng Jilun, Guo Jiang, Li Zezhong, Guan Yuntao, Li Yanbing, Sun Boxing and Zhao Zhihui, 2013. Expression of Immunoglobulin Genes Differs Between Chickens and Ducks Following H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Infection. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 12: 1289-1295.