Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the avian macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF).

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is recognized as a soluble factor produced by sensitized T lymphocytes and inhibits the random migration of macrophages. Recent studies have revealed a more prominent role for MIF as a multi-functional cytokine mediating both innate and adaptive immune responses. This study describes the cloning and functional characterization of avian MIF in an effort to better understand its role in innate and adaptive immunity, and potential use in poultry health applications.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of avian interleukin-19.

The present study describes the cloning and functional characterization of avian interleukin (IL)-19, a cytokine that, in mammals, alters the balance of Th1 and Th2 cells in favor of the Th2 phenotype. The full-length avian IL-19 gene, located on chromosome 26, was amplified from LPS-stimulated chicken monocytes, and cloned into both prokaryotic (pET28a) and eukaryotic (pcDNA3.1) expression vectors.