Immunomodulatory effects of poly(I:C)-stimulated exosomes derived from chicken macrophages

Yeojin Hong1, Jiae Lee1, Thi Hao Vu1

  • 1Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea.

Poultry Science
|June 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Chicken macrophage exosomes activated by poly(I:C) enhance immune responses in recipient cells. These exosomes stimulate cytokine and chemokine expression, potentially serving as immunostimulators by activating the NF-κB pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Exosomes mediate intercellular communication, carrying proteins and nucleic acids.
  • Immune cell-derived exosomes modulate immune responses and recipient cell gene expression.
  • Macrophages detect viral dsRNA via Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), activating transcription factors like NF-κB.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of exosomes from chicken macrophages (HD11) stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly[I:C]).
  • To determine the impact of these exosomes on recipient HD11 cells and CU91 chicken T cells.

Main Methods:

  • HD11 chicken macrophage cell line was stimulated with poly(I:C).
  • Exosomes were purified from stimulated macrophages.
  • Exosomes were delivered into recipient HD11 cells and CU91 chicken T cells.

Main Results:

  • Exosomes from poly(I:C)-activated macrophages upregulated type I interferons, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines in recipient cells.
  • These exosomes activated the NF-κB signaling pathway by phosphorylating TAK1 and NF-κB1.
  • Poly(I:C)-activated exosomes demonstrate potential as immunostimulators.

Conclusions:

  • Chicken macrophage-derived exosomes, upon TLR3 ligand stimulation, regulate immune responses in naive macrophages and T cells via the NF-κB pathway.
  • These exosomes represent a promising strategy for immunostimulation in poultry.
  • Understanding exosome-mediated communication is crucial for developing novel immunotherapies.