Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma
Published on: September 8, 2021
Induction of lymphomas and tumor antigen by Marek's disease virus in turkeys
Abstract:
Pathogenic Marek's disease (MD) virus (MDV) induced a high incidence of mortality and gross and microscopic lesions in turkey poults. Inoculated turkey poults became persistently viremic with MDV, although the levels of detectable circulating MDV were generally lower in turkeys than in similarly inoculated chickens. The early lytic phase of MD characterized by lymphoid cell destruction and the appearance of viral antigen in lymphoid organ was not as prominent in turkeys as in chickens. Gross MD lesions in turkeys were most prevalent in liver and spleen; peripheral nerves were involved infrequently. MD tumors in turkeys contained cells that reacted with antiserum prepared against chicken MD-tumor-associated surface antigen (MATSA); this result indicated that MDV induced cellular transformation in turkeys and the tumor-associated antigen in chicken and turkeys cross-reacted. Several in vitro-propagating B-cell lines were developed from the turkey lymphomas. As in chickens, MD in turkeys also resulted in immunodepression. Circulating lymphocytes from turkeys that eventually died of MD or had gross tumors at the end of the experiment were deficient in mitogenic response to Concanavalin A.
Insights
Marek's disease virus (MDV) causes significant mortality and lesions in turkeys, similar to chickens. However, turkeys show lower viremia and less prominent early lytic phases, with cross-reactive tumor antigens observed.
Area of Science:
- Avian Pathology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Marek's disease (MD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting poultry.
- Marek's disease virus (MDV) causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide.
- Understanding MDV pathogenesis in turkeys is crucial for disease control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of Marek's disease virus (MDV) in turkey poults.
- To compare MDV infection in turkeys with that observed in chickens.
- To characterize the immunological and pathological responses to MDV in turkeys.
Main Methods:
- Turkey poults were inoculated with pathogenic MDV.
- Viremia levels, gross and microscopic lesions were monitored.
- Lymphocyte mitogenic responses were assessed using Concanavalin A.
- Tumor-associated antigens were analyzed using specific antiserum.
Main Results:
- MDV induced high mortality and gross/microscopic lesions in turkey poults.
- Turkeys exhibited persistent viremia, though at lower levels than chickens.
- Lymphoid cell destruction and viral antigen presence were less prominent in turkeys.
- Gross lesions were most common in the liver and spleen; peripheral nerve involvement was infrequent.
- MD tumors in turkeys expressed antigens cross-reactive with chicken MD-tumor-associated surface antigen (MATSA).
- MD induced immunodepression in turkeys, evidenced by deficient mitogenic responses.
Conclusions:
- MDV pathogenesis in turkeys shares similarities with chickens but exhibits distinct characteristics.
- MDV induces cellular transformation and cross-reactive tumor antigens in turkeys.
- MDV infection leads to significant immunodepression in turkeys, impacting their immune function.
