Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
An Ex Vivo Chicken Primary Bursal-cell Culture Model to Study Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Pathogenesis
Published on: October 4, 2018
CpG-ODNs induced changes in cytokine/chemokines genes expression associated with suppression of infectious bronchitis
Arshud Dar1, Suresh Tikoo1, Andy Potter1
1Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Center, University of Saskatchewan, SK, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5E3.
Abstract:
The process of virus replication in host cells is greatly influenced by the set of cytokines, chemokines and antiviral substances activated as a result of host-virus interaction. Alteration of cytokines profiles through manipulation of the innate immune system by innate immune stimulants may be helpful in inhibiting virus replication in otherwise permissive cells. The aim of present studies was to characterize innate immune responses capable of inhibiting infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) replication in chicken lungs after in ovo administration of CpG ODN. In our experiments, CpG ODN 2007 or PBS solution was injected on 18th embryonic day (ED) via the chorioallontoic route. CpG ODN and PBS inoculated embryos were challenged with virulent IBV on the 19th ED. Lung tissue samples from experimental chicks were analysed for cytokines/chemokines gene expression at 24h, 48h, and 72h, post infection. Our data showed significant differential up-regulation of IFN-γ, IL-8 (CXCLi2) and MIP-1β genes and suppression of IL-6 gene expression being associated with inhibition of IBV replication in lungs tissue retrieved from embryos pre-treated with CpG ODN. It is expected that understanding of the innate immune modulation of target tissues by the virus and innate immune stimulants will be helpful in identification of valuable targets for development of novel, safe, effective and economical control strategies against IBV infection in chickens.
Insights
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) administered in ovo modulate chicken innate immunity, enhancing resistance to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) replication. This immune stimulation offers a promising strategy for controlling avian viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Avian Health
Background:
- Virus replication is influenced by host-cell cytokines and chemokines.
- Modulating the innate immune system with stimulants can inhibit viral replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize innate immune responses against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chicken lungs.
- To evaluate the effect of in ovo CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) administration on IBV replication.
Main Methods:
- Chicken embryos were injected with CpG ODN 2007 or PBS on embryonic day 18.
- Embryos were challenged with virulent IBV on embryonic day 19.
- Cytokine and chemokine gene expression in lung tissue was analyzed at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-infection.
Main Results:
- CpG ODN pre-treatment significantly upregulated IFN-γ, IL-8 (CXCLi2), and MIP-1β gene expression.
- IL-6 gene expression was suppressed in CpG ODN-treated groups.
- Upregulated immune genes correlated with inhibited IBV replication in lung tissue.
Conclusions:
- In ovo CpG ODN administration effectively modulates innate immune responses in chickens.
- This immune modulation inhibits infectious bronchitis virus replication.
- Understanding innate immune stimulation provides targets for novel antiviral control strategies.
