Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Application of Long-term cultured Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay for Assessing Effector and Memory T Cell Responses in Cattle
Published on: July 11, 2015
Transient effect of cyclophosphamide on vaccinal immunity to Marek's disease
L N Payne1, M C Rennie, P C Powell
1Houghton Poultry Research Station, Houghton Huntingdon, Cambs., England.
Abstract:
Cyclophosphamide treatment of chicks abrogated the induction of immunity against Marek's disease (MD) by the herpesvirus of turkeys, but immunity eventually developed if a sufficient interval was allowed to elapse between vaccination and challenge. Vaccinated, cyclophosphamide-treated chicks showed severe suppression of antibody and immunoglobulin production even when immunity to MD was present, suggesting that resistance was not mediated by humoral immunity. Bursa and thymus weights of chicks were markedly reduced 7 days after treatment with cyclophosphamide, but at 35 and 70 days the mean weight of the thymus, but not of the bursa, was considerably restored. The results suggest that cyclophosphamide interferes with vaccinal immunity by an effect on the thymus and cell-mediated immunity, and not by an effect on the bursa and humoral immunity.
Related Concept Videos
Vaccines
Vaccinations
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Smallpox
Active versus Passive Immunity
Active Immunity
Active immunity refers to the resistance one develops...

