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Marek's disease tumor-associated surface antigen (MATSA) in resistant versus susceptible chickens
Abstract:
The appearance of MATSA-bearing cells in the spleens of genetically susceptible (P-line) and resistant (N-line) chickens followed similar patterns at 4 and 6 days postinoculation (PI), with 4 to 10% of the cells positive in indirect fluorescent-antibody tests. Levels of MATSA-positive cells at 10, 14, and 21 days PI continued at 6-8% in P-line birds but dropped from about 8% to below 1 or 2% in N-line birds. This pattern was seen also in virus-isolation rates from the same spleen samples. Viral internal antigens (VIA) were seen equally and with decreasing incidence in both groups at 4-10 days PI. VIA were not detected at 14 days but reappeared at 21 days, with higher levels in P-lines than inN-lines. It was concluded that genetic resistance to Marek's disease is not related to events which result in production of the putative tumor antigen, MATSA, but rather to host-controlled factors which terminate those events.
Insights
Genetic resistance to Marek's disease in chickens is not linked to MATSA-bearing cells. Instead, host factors control the termination of events leading to disease resistance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Marek's disease (MD) is a significant lymphoproliferative disease in chickens.
- The role of the putative tumor antigen, Marek's disease tumor-associated surface antigen (MATSA), in genetic resistance to MD is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal appearance and levels of MATSA-bearing cells and viral internal antigens (VIA) in genetically resistant (N-line) and susceptible (P-line) chickens post-inoculation.
- To determine if MATSA expression correlates with genetic resistance to Marek's disease.
Main Methods:
- Indirect fluorescent-antibody tests were used to detect MATSA-bearing cells in chicken spleens.
- Virus isolation assays were performed on spleen samples.
- Detection of viral internal antigens (VIA) was conducted.
Main Results:
- MATSA-bearing cells appeared similarly in both P-line and N-line chickens early post-inoculation (4-6 days PI).
- MATSA levels remained high in P-line birds (6-8%) but dropped significantly in N-line birds (1-2%) by 14-21 days PI.
- Virus isolation rates mirrored MATSA levels, decreasing in N-line birds.
- VIA were detected in both groups early PI, with higher levels in P-line birds at 21 days PI.
Conclusions:
- Genetic resistance to Marek's disease is not associated with the events leading to MATSA production.
- Host-controlled factors that terminate disease-related events are crucial for genetic resistance to Marek's disease.