ARS | Publication request: Use of Recombinant Congenic Chicken Lines to Define Non-Mhc Genes Influencing Marek's Disease Resistance

Submitted to: International Marek's Disease Symposium Abstracts and Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 7, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: ADOL selected inbred lines 63 and 72 are resistant or susceptible, respectively, to Marek's disease (MD). However, both of these lines are homozygous for the same Mhc genes (B**2 haplotype). To identify the non-Mhc genes influencing MD, we are developing recombinant congenic strains (RCS) between lines 63 and 72. An F1 and two backcross generations were made using 63 as the parental line female. Twenty-four RCSs were initiated, and with subsequent sib-matings each of the these will become inbred, and will contain a differing 12.5% of the line 72 genome. Chicks in 17 of the RCSs in the first generation after strain development were used for an initial analysis of MD susceptibility. Chicks from seven hatches were inoculated with JM virus at 1 week of age. Chicks from six strains were resistant to MD, while six other strains revealed less than 6% susceptibility. Chicks from five strains had good evidence for MD susceptibility that was related to the parents used within the strains, suggesting there may be major MD susceptibility genes segregating in those strains. Additional development of these strains should result in the identification of non-Mhc genes determining MD resistance. DNA analysis of RCS chickens may elucidate the identification and functionality of relevant genes.