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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Athens, Georgia » U.S. National Poultry Research Center » Avian Disease and Oncology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #294558
Title: Role of NK cells in vaccine-induced immunity against Marek’s disease

Author
item Heidari, Mohammad
item Hunt, Henry

Submitted to: American Association of Avian Pathologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/21/2013
Publication Date: 7/21/2013
Citation: Heidari, M., Hunt, H.D. 2013. Role of NK cells in vaccine-induced immunity against Marek’s disease [abstract]. American Association of Avian Pathologists, July 19-23, 2013, Chicago, Illinois. p. 35.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The antiviral activity of vaccine-induced immunity that markedly reduces the level of early cytolytic infection, production of cell-free infectious virus particles in the FFE, and lymphoma formation by interrupting the normal cascade of pathogenic events is a significant factor in protective efficacy of Marek's disease (MD) vaccines. Although MD vaccines have been in use for many decades, the molecular mechanism of their protection is unknown. There is growing evidence that natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in vaccine-induced protection, genetic resistance, and anti-tumor immunity. Comparative analysis of functional activity of NK cells in vaccinated and naïve chickens revealed that vaccination arms NK cells by increasing cytotoxic granule proteins and interferon Gamma production. Up regulation of CD107a, a functional marker for identification of NK cells activity was suggestive of degranulation of the activated NK cells when mixed with target cells.