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Comparative Genomics of the Waterfowl Innate Immune System
Elinor Jax1,2,3, Paolo Franchini2,4, Vaishnovi Sekar5,6
1Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany.
Molecular Biology and Evolution
|July 26, 2022
Summary
Wild waterfowl show genetic differences in fighting avian influenza virus (AIV). Genes for pathogen detection and inhibition are evolving rapidly, influencing disease resistance in birds.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Animal immune responses vary significantly, but their genetic underpinnings are complex.
- Understanding innate immunity in natural hosts is crucial for avian influenza virus (AIV) research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary forces shaping the innate immune system in natural AIV hosts.
- To identify specific immune genes under selection in waterfowl.
Main Methods:
- Population and comparative genomics were employed.
- Hybrid capture and next-generation sequencing were used on 127 innate immune genes across 26 waterfowl species.
- Analysis covered genetic diversity, divergence, and selection signatures.
Main Results:
- Genes in pathogen detection (Toll-like receptors) and inhibition (antimicrobial peptides, interferon-stimulated genes) pathways show higher polymorphism and divergence.
- Host proteins targeted by viral antagonists (e.g., MAVS) are also under positive selection.
- Selective pressures vary across different innate immune signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Selective forces differ across innate immune pathways in waterfowl.
- Candidate genes contributing to disease resistance and susceptibility in wild birds were identified.
- Findings offer insights into host-pathogen interactions and potential therapeutic targets.
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