Chicken interleukin-6. cDNA structure and biological properties.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• The synthetic immune modifier S-28463 was used to investigate gene expression changes in chicken spleens.
• Differential gene expression analysis is crucial for understanding immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize novel immune-related genes in chickens.
• To investigate the biological activity and function of a newly identified chicken interleukin-6 (ChIL-6).

Main Methods:

• Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was employed to identify differentially expressed genes.
• Bacterial and eukaryotic expression systems were used to produce recombinant ChIL-6.
• Biological activity was assessed using an IL-6-dependent murine hybridoma cell line (7TD1).
• In vivo studies in chickens measured serum corticosterone levels post-ChIL-6 injection.

Main Results:

• A chicken gene encoding a protein homologous to human interleukin-6 (ChIL-6) was identified.
• Recombinant ChIL-6, expressed in bacteria and eukaryotic cells, demonstrated significant biological activity.
• ChIL-6 induced proliferation of the 7TD1 cell line at a concentration of approximately 60 pg/mL.
• Intravenous administration of ChIL-6 in chickens led to elevated serum corticosterone levels.

Conclusions:

• A functional chicken interleukin-6 (ChIL-6) has been identified and characterized.
• ChIL-6 exhibits potent biological activity, including stimulation of immune cell proliferation and modulation of the stress response.
• This discovery provides insights into avian cytokine function and immune regulation.