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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Bone Marrow-derived Macrophage Production
Published on: November 22, 2013
CpG-induced immunomodulation and intracellular bacterial killing in a chicken macrophage cell line
Hang Xie1, Richard B Raybourne, Uma S Babu
1Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, 8075 Greenmead Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
Abstract:
The immunostimulatory properties of synthetic CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) have been studied in various mammalian models including humans and mice. However, little was known about effects of CpG ODNs on immune responses of chickens, a common avian species with important economical value in the poultry industry. In the present study, two CpG ODNs, 2006 and 1826, which show immunomodulating properties for humans and mice were tested using a chicken macrophage cell line (HD11). ODN 2006, which has been reported to be an optimal stimulatory sequence for humans, showed strong immunomodulatory effects on HD11 cells, whereas ODN 1826, a CpG sequence with optimal immunostimulatory effects on mice, had weak influences on HD11 cells. ODN 2006 also induced strong IL-6 and nitric oxide secretion by HD11 cells in both dose- and time-dependent manners. Intracellular killing of Salmonella enteritidis (SE) was also increased in ODN 2006-activated HD11 cells. Furthermore, HD11 cells had reduced proliferation and underwent apoptosis, which is contradictory to the effects of ODN 2006 on human and murine cells. N(G)-monomethyl L-arginine (L-NMMA), an iNOS inhibitor, inhibited apoptosis of HD11 cells induced by ODN 2006, suggesting that this effect was likely mediated through an iNOS-dependent pathway. These results indicate that the differences in the responses of chicken HD11 macrophage cells to CpG ODNs compared to those of mammalian macrophages are species-related, and the potential of CpG ODNs as immunomodulators in poultry needs to be further explored.
Insights
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) show species-specific immune effects in chickens. While ODN 2006 stimulated chicken macrophages, it also induced apoptosis, unlike in mammals, suggesting poultry-specific immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Veterinary Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are known immunostimulants in mammals.
- Their effects on avian immune responses, particularly in chickens, remain largely unexplored.
- Chickens are economically significant, making avian immune modulation crucial for the poultry industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of two specific CpG ODNs (2006 and 1826) on chicken macrophages.
- To compare the responses of chicken macrophages to those of mammalian cells.
- To explore the potential of CpG ODNs as immunomodulators in poultry.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a chicken macrophage cell line (HD11).
- Exposed HD11 cells to CpG ODN 2006 and ODN 1826.
- Assessed immune responses including cytokine secretion (IL-6), nitric oxide production, intracellular killing of Salmonella enteritidis (SE), cell proliferation, and apoptosis.
- Used an iNOS inhibitor (L-NMMA) to investigate apoptosis pathways.
Main Results:
- CpG ODN 2006 demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects on HD11 cells, inducing IL-6 and nitric oxide secretion.
- ODN 2006 enhanced the intracellular killing of SE by activated HD11 cells.
- Contrasting with mammalian responses, ODN 2006 induced reduced proliferation and apoptosis in HD11 cells, mediated via an iNOS-dependent pathway.
- CpG ODN 1826 showed weak effects on HD11 cells.
Conclusions:
- Chicken macrophage responses to CpG ODNs are species-specific and differ from mammalian responses.
- ODN 2006 exhibits potent immunostimulatory and cytotoxic effects on chicken macrophages.
- The potential of CpG ODNs as immunomodulators in poultry warrants further investigation, considering the observed species-specific differences.
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