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Published on: August 1, 2012
Conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue in avian mucosal immunity
F W van Ginkel1, S L Gulley, A Lammers
1Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. vangifw@vetmed.auburn.edu
Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|June 7, 2011
Summary
Conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) in chickens contains key immune cells and produces antibodies after eye vaccination with adenovirus (Ad5). Prior immunization impacts the immune response, highlighting CALT's role in avian mucosal immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) is crucial for mucosal adaptive immunity in birds.
- Understanding CALT's cellular makeup and function after ocular antigen exposure is vital for vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular composition and immune response of avian CALT following ocular exposure to a replication-deficient adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5).
- To assess the role of CALT in generating adaptive immunity and the influence of prior immunization on the immune response.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cellular composition, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) expression, and cytokine/antibody production in chicken CALT.
- Ocular exposure of chickens to Ad5, with varying priming and boosting immunization strategies.
Main Results:
- Avian CALT contains B cells, γδ T cells, T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, and IgA-secreting plasma cells, resembling Harderian glands more than spleen.
- Ocular Ad5 vaccination induced antigen-specific IgA-secreting plasma cells and cytokine-producing lymphocytes in CALT.
- Prior high-dose in ovo Ad5 priming influenced the CALT immune response to ocular Ad5 boosting, affecting IFN-γ production.
Conclusions:
- Avian CALT plays a significant role in generating adaptive mucosal immunity following ocular viral challenge.
- The expression of pIgR in CALT lymphoepithelium underscores its importance in mucosal immune protection.
- Both mucosal and systemic immunizations impact Ad5-induced IFN-γ responses in CALT, indicating interconnected immune surveillance.
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