Detection of cell-mediated immune response to avian influenza viruses

The measurement of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is critical to understanding the role and regulation of avian lymphocytes following avian influenza virus (AIV) infection. While these different cell types have distinctly different modes of action in terms of contributions to protection, they account for the majority of adaptive immunity induced following infection or vaccination. Although the ability to measure CMI has steadily improved over the last few years, few studies have examined its role in protection of birds against AIV. The increasing availability of monoclonal antibodies recognizing various avian cell-associated antigens has made this technique more specific and informative.