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Ontogeny and expression of chicken A blood group antigens
J E Fulton1, V J Hall, S J Lamont
1Department of Animal Science and Immunology Program, Iowa State University, Ames 50011.
Insights
Chicken red blood cell (RBC) surface antigen expression increases with age from embryonic stages to adulthood. Genotype influences antigen levels, confirming co-dominance in chicken blood groups.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Developmental Biology
- Veterinary Immunology
Background:
- Chicken blood group antigens play a role in cellular recognition and immune responses.
- Understanding the developmental expression of these antigens is crucial for immunological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental expression of chicken A blood group antigens on red blood cells (RBCs).
- To determine the influence of genotype on antigen expression levels.
Main Methods:
- Monoclonal antibody (ISU-cA) specific for chicken A blood group antigens.
- Immunofluorescence and haemagglutination assays for antigen detection.
- Flow cytometry for quantitative analysis of antigen expression.
Main Results:
- Chicken A blood group antigens were detectable on embryonic RBCs as early as 3 days of incubation.
- Antigenic expression increased with age from embryonic to mature birds.
- Genotype affected antigen concentration, with heterozygotes showing intermediate levels, confirming co-dominance.
- Flow cytometry confirmed gradual increase in antigen expression across the entire RBC population over time.
Conclusions:
- Chicken RBC surface antigen expression is developmentally regulated and influenced by genotype.
- Co-dominance is a key genetic principle governing chicken blood group antigen expression.
- These findings provide insights into chicken erythrocyte development and immunogenetics.
Abstract:
Expression of chicken red blood cell (RBC) surface antigens was studied by using a monoclonal antibody (ISU-cA) specific for chicken A blood group antigens. Erythrocytes were examined from embryos of 3-18 days of incubation and from chicks at hatch up to 21 weeks of age. Specific antigens were detected on embryonic RBC surfaces by immunofluorescence as early as 3 days of incubation. Antigenic expression was examined by both haemagglutination and immunofluorescence and found to increase with age from embryos to mature birds. The antigen concentration on the cell surface was found to be affected by genotype; heterozygotes had an intermediate level of antigen between that of the two parental genotypes. These data confirm the co-dominance that is observed with most blood group antigens. Flow cytometric analysis allowed confirmation that the entire erythrocyte population gradually increased in antigenic expression over time, rather than having an antigen-negative subpopulation being replaced by a positive subpopulation.