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Tissue-Specific Transcriptomic Responses to Avian Reovirus Inoculation in Ovo.
Zubair Khalid1, Shahna Fathima2, Ruediger Hauck1,2
1Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
Viruses
|May 28, 2025
Summary
Avian reovirus (ARV) infection impacts poultry. This study reveals dose- and tissue-dependent host responses in chicken embryos, highlighting early intestinal immune activation and liver antiviral defenses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Avian reovirus (ARV) poses significant economic threats to the poultry industry.
- Host responses to ARV infection are not well understood across different models.
- Understanding these responses is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize tissue-specific transcriptomic changes in chicken embryos following ARV inoculation.
- To investigate the dose-, time-, and tissue-dependent nature of host molecular responses to ARV.
- To provide foundational knowledge for improving in ovo vaccination and early immunity.
Main Methods:
- Specific-pathogen-free chicken embryos were inoculated with two doses of ARV S1133 at embryonic day 18.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to confirm viral replication kinetics.
- Transcriptomic profiling (RNA-Seq) and functional analyses were performed on various tissues (liver, kidneys, intestines, bursa).
Main Results:
- ARV replication was dose- and time-dependent, with the liver showing the highest viral load early on.
- Intestines exhibited extensive gene expression changes, indicating early immune activation.
- Liver tissues showed strong upregulation of antiviral pathways, while kidneys and intestines were enriched for coagulation and wound healing pathways.
- Bursae showed minimal immune responses, suggesting immature immune function.
Conclusions:
- Host molecular responses to ARV are highly specific to tissue type, viral dose, and time post-inoculation.
- Intestinal immune responses suggest preemptive engagement against the virus.
- Hepatic antiviral mechanisms are critical for limiting ARV spread.
- Findings offer insights into ARV pathogenesis and host defense in developing poultry.
