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Published on: July 29, 2012
Avian sarcoma/leukosis virus (RCAS)-mediated over-expression of IFITM3 protects chicks from highly pathogenic avian
Mohammed A Rohaim1, Emma Louise Gardiner2, Rania F El Naggar3
1Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK; Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt.
Abstract:
Broad-spectrum antiviral activities of interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are primarily attributed to in vitro inhibition of viral entry. Here, we used an avian sarcoma-leukosis virus (RCAS)-based gene transfer system and successfully generated chicks that constitutively express chicken IFITM3 (chIFITM3). The chIFITM3-overexpressing chicks showed significant protection and disease tolerance against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 (Clade 2.2.1.2). The chicks, overexpressing chIFITM3, also showed delayed onset of clinical symptoms, reduced viral shedding, and alleviated histopathologic alterations compared to control and challenged chicks. These findings highlight that overexpression of chIFITM3 provide a substantial defense against zoonotic H5N1 in vivo.
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