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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fayetteville, Arkansas » Poultry Production and Product Safety Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #217839

Title: Avian acute phase protein ovotransferrin modulates phagocyte function

Author
item Rath, Narayan
item XIE, H - UNIV OF ARKANSAS
item Huff, William
item Huff, Geraldine

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/28/2007
Publication Date: 12/1/2008
Citation: Rath, N.C., Xie, H., Huff, W.E., Huff, G.R. 2008. Muller, Gunter V. (Editor).New Immunology Research Developments: Avian acute phase protein ovotransferrin modulates phagocyte function. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. 14 p.

Interpretive Summary: Infection and tissue injury increase the concentrations of certain proteins in the blood which can be used as biomarkers. Measuring these proteins would indicate the presence of these health problems. This review deals with the identification of such a protein named “ovotransferrin” in chicken blood and its measurement. The significance of the increase of blood transferring levels is discussed.

Technical Abstract: Acute phase proteins (APP) are serum proteins elevated in response to a variety of physiological injuries including infection and inflammation. These pathogen nonspecific proteins are predominantly synthesized in the liver and serve as a humoral component of innate immunity by way of recognizing and neutralizing pathogens, and facilitating tissue repair. The nature of APP and their physiological significance is not understood in sub mammalian species. In studying the avian acute phase response in experimental inflammation induced by endotoxin or croton oil, we identified serum transferrin as a major avian APP that was same as the ovotransferrin (OVT) present in the egg white. Using an enzyme-immunoassay, the results showed the serum OVT to be elevated during a variety of bacterial and viral infections. The ability of OVT to modulate avian macrophage and heterophil functions was evaluated using in vitro assays. The results showed that OVT activated both of these cell types as measured by nitric oxide, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase, and reactive oxygen production. Additionally, OVT also stimulated heterophil degranulation. These results demonstrate that beyond its antibacterial effects, the OVT may act as a natural immunomodulator enhancing innate immune function.