Research Note: Rous sarcoma growth differs among congenic lines containing major histocompatibility (B) complex recombinants.

New arrangements of chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I BF and class IV BG genes are created through recombination. Characterizing the immune responses of such recombinants reveals genes or gene regions that contribute to immunity. Inbred Line UCD 003 (B17B17) served as the genetic background for congenic lines, each containing a unique MHC recombinant.

Major histocompatibility complex recombinant R13 antibody response against bovine red blood cells.

Recombination within the chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has enabled more precise identification of genes controlling immune responses. Chicken MHC genes include BF, MHC class I; BL, MHC class II; and BG, MHC class IV that are closely linked on chromosome 16. A new recombination occurred during the 10th backcross generation to develop congenic lines on the inbred Line UCD 003 (B17B17) background.

RNA sequencing demonstrates large-scale temporal dysregulation of gene expression in stimulated macrophages derived from MHC-defined chicken haplotypes.

Discovering genetic biomarkers associated with disease resistance and enhanced immunity is critical to developing advanced strategies for controlling viral and bacterial infections in different species. Macrophages, important cells of innate immunity, are directly involved in cellular interactions with pathogens, the release of cytokines activating other immune cells and antigen presentation to cells of the adaptive immune response. IFNγ is a potent activator of macrophages and increased production has been associated with disease resistance in several species.

Association of the chicken MHC B haplotypes with resistance to avian coronavirus.

Clinical respiratory illness was compared in five homozygous chicken lines, originating from homozygous B2, B8, B12 and B19, and heterozygous B2/B12 birds after infection with either of two strains of the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). All chickens used in these studies originated from White Leghorn and Ancona linages. IBV Gray strain infection of MHC homozygous B12 and B19 haplotype chicks resulted in severe respiratory disease compared to chicks with B2/B2 and B5/B5 haplotypes.

Non-replicating adenovirus vectors expressing avian influenza virus hemagglutinin and nucleocapsid proteins induce chicken specific effector, memory and effector memory CD8(+) T lymphocytes.

Avian influenza virus (AIV) specific CD8(+) T lymphocyte responses stimulated by intramuscular administration of an adenovirus (Ad) vector expressing either HA or NP were evaluated in chickens following ex vivo stimulation by non-professional antigen presenting cells. The CD8(+) T lymphocyte responses were AIV specific, MHC-I restricted, and cross-reacted with heterologous H7N2 AIV strain. Specific effector responses, at 10 days post-inoculation (p.