Unveiling the role of long non-coding RNAs in chicken immune response to highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 infection

Authors: VU, THI HAO - Chung-Ang University; KIM, CHAEEUN - Chung-Ang University; TRUONG, ANH DUC - Chung-Ang University; KIM, JUN-MO - Chung-Ang University; Lillehoj, Hyun; HONG, YEONG HO - Chung-Ang University

Submitted to: Poultry Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/2024
Publication Date: 1/1/2025
Citation: Vu, T., Kim, C., Truong, A., Kim, J., Lillehoj, H.S., Hong, Y. 2025. Unveiling the role of long non-coding RNAs in chicken immune response to highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 infection. Poultry Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104524.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104524

Interpretive Summary: Comprehensive understanding of host-pathogen immunobiology in many infectious diseases in poultry where there are no effective prevention strategies will be critical to reduce economic losses due to infectious diseases affecting poultry production. Although avian influenza (AI) is a significant threat to global poultry production, the lack of vaccines against AI virus and limited understanding concerning the role of various immune factors controlling elimination of AI virus limits our progress to develop novel strategies to mitigate AIV infection. ARS scientists in Beltsville collaborated with scientists in South Korea to identify the location of host genes that critically control the crucial regulators of immune responses, through RNA sequencing. The results showed the location and the nature of genes that control host immune response to AI virus with resistant chickens exhibiting a notably stronger immune response than susceptible chickens after AI infection. Identification and better understanding of host-virus interaction will provides insights into the role of AI virus in highly pathogenic avian influenza infection. These scientific findings could facilitate vaccine development against AIVs, significantly enhancing poultry health and biosecurity.

Technical Abstract: Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose a significant threat to global poultry production, necessitating effective control strategies to mitigate economic losses and ensure animal welfare. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators of immune responses, yet their roles in AIV-infected chickens remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles of lncRNAs and their targets in Vietnamese Ri chickens infected with the highly pathogenic AIV (HPAIV) H5N1. Through RNA sequencing, we identified novel lncRNAs and analyzed differentially expressed (DE) transcripts at 1 and 3 days post-infection (dpi) in chicken lung tissue. Our results revealed a higher number of DE lncRNAs and mRNAs at 1 dpi and 3 dpi, respectively, compared to control, with resistant chickens exhibiting a notably stronger immune response than susceptible chickens at 3 dpi. Functional analysis implicated these lncRNAs in immune-related pathways crucial for host responses to H5N1 viral infection. Furthermore, we identified lncRNA–mRNA interactions associated with antiviral responses and immune function. Notably, several genes involved in antiviral resistance and immune responses showed higher expression in resistant chickens, confirming their stronger antiviral response. Overall, our study provides insights into the role of lncRNAs in the host's response to HPAIV H5N1 infection in chickens and highlights potential candidates for further investigation into host–pathogen interactions. These findings could drive the development of novel control strategies for AIVs, significantly enhancing poultry health and biosecurity.