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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Parasite Induced Genetically Driven Autoimmune Chagas Heart Disease in the Chicken Model
Published on: July 29, 2012
Chicken infectious anemia virus: an example of the ultimate host-parasite relationship
1Unit of Avian Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Abstract:
Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is a resistant and ubiquitous virus of chickens causing disease in young chickens and immunosuppression in all birds. This paper reviews the current knowledge of CIAV with a focus on new findings indicating that immunosuppressive effects have not been fully appreciated, especially as they relate to the development of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells. A more complete understanding of the immunosuppressive effects of CIAV emphasizes the need for better vaccines, especially for the broiler industry. In addition, a new model is proposed for the control of viral replication in the reproductive tract of specific-pathogen-free chickens, which may be latently infected. This model suggests that virus transcription is controlled by viral enhancer and repressor elements, which are regulated by different hormones. As a consequence, CIAV has a well-adapted relationship with its host, avoiding immune detection, ensuring passage of virus to the next generation, and eliciting limited pathology to the host.
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