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Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
Published on: March 2, 2014
GH inhibits ALV-J replication and restricts cell cycle by activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Junliang Xia1, Ling Lin1, Rongyang Ju1
1Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, PR China.
Growth hormone (GH) enhances chickens' innate immunity against Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J). GH activates antiviral pathways, restricts viral replication, and modulates immune gene expression, offering a new therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) is vital for chicken growth, maturity, and immunity.
- Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) causes significant disease in chickens, including immunosuppression and tumors.
- The role of GH in chickens' response to ALV-J infection was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of GH in chickens infected with ALV-J.
- To determine GH's effect on innate immunity and viral replication.
Main Methods:
- Measured GH protein and mRNA levels in infected chickens and cells.
- Assessed the impact of GH on immune gene expression (interferons, pro-inflammatory factors) in ALV-J infected DF-1 cells.
- Analyzed GH's effects on cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and viral replication via the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Main Results:
- GH expression was upregulated in ALV-J infected chickens and cells.
- GH enhanced the expression of interferons and pro-inflammatory factors.
- GH restricted cell proliferation and apoptosis, inhibited ALV-J replication, and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Conclusions:
- GH plays a significant role in the antiviral response against ALV-J in chickens.
- GH modulates innate immunity and restricts viral replication, suggesting a therapeutic potential.
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