EFFECT OF IL-2 DNA IMMUNIZATION ON CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNITY AND DISEASE RESISTANCE TO COCCIDIOSIS IN CHICKENS

Authors: Lillehoj, Hyun; MIN, WONGI - USDA, ARS, LPSI, IDRL

Submitted to: American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/30/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Recombinant chicken IL-2 promotes the growth of gamma-delta T cells in vitro and enhances the NK-cell activity in chickens. Stimulation of IL-2-dependent gamma-delta T-cells with Con A induced IFN-gamma and IL-2 mRNA transcripts whereas stimulation with rIL-2 induced only IFN-mRNA. Subcutaneous injection of rIL-2 DNA to day-old chickens increased the percentage of cells which express the CD8 and TCR antigens in the spleen. Chickens which were orally infected with Eimeria acervulina showed a significant enhancement of IL-2 mRNA transcripts in the spleen and intestine and increased percentage of T-cells in the duodenum following both primary and secondary infections. These results indicate that host immune responses to E. acervulina involve an up-regulation of IL-2 secretion and an increased duodenum T-cells. 1