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Natural killer cell activity in chickens: target cell analysis and effect of antithymocyte serum on effector cells
Abstract:
A battery of lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells was examined for susceptibility to lysis by natural killer cells of chickens. Several susceptible targets were recognized, and most susceptible among these were cells of line LSCC-RP9, derived from a lymphoid tumor induced by Rous-associated virus 2. The natural killer reactivity against LSCC-RP9 target cells did not appear to be directed against an antigen(s) induced by Rous-associated virus 2 because other lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells infected with this were resistant to lysis in vitro by natural killer cells. The effector cells of natural killer reactivity in chickens were refractory to treatment with potent anti-T-cell and anti-B-cell sera. Inoculation of Marek's disease virus in line 15 X 7 chickens resulted in enhanced natural killer cell activity, and the effector cells of this enhanced activity, and the effector cells of this enhanced activity were also resistant to anti-T-cell serum.
Insights
Chicken natural killer (NK) cells target specific tumor cells, including LSCC-RP9. This NK cell activity is not directed by Rous-associated virus 2 and is independent of T-cells and B-cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for innate immunity, providing rapid responses to virally infected cells and tumors.
- Understanding NK cell targets and activation mechanisms is vital for developing immunotherapies.
- Chicken models offer unique insights into avian immunology and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of various chicken lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells to natural killer (NK) cell-mediated lysis.
- To identify specific target cells recognized by chicken NK cells.
- To characterize the effector cells responsible for NK activity and their response to viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of diverse chicken cell lines and primary cells with chicken effector NK cells.
- Assessment of cell lysis using standard cytotoxicity assays.
- Treatment of effector cells with anti-T-cell and anti-B-cell sera to determine lineage markers.
- Inoculation of Marek's disease virus (MDV) in chickens to evaluate NK cell activity modulation.
Main Results:
- Several cell types were susceptible to chicken NK cell lysis, with LSCC-RP9 tumor cells being the most sensitive.
- NK cell reactivity against LSCC-RP9 was not attributed to antigens induced by Rous-associated virus 2 (RAV-2).
- Effector NK cells were resistant to anti-T-cell and anti-B-cell sera, suggesting a distinct lineage.
- Marek's disease virus inoculation enhanced NK cell activity, with effector cells also showing resistance to anti-T-cell serum.
Conclusions:
- Chicken NK cells exhibit specific cytotoxicity against certain tumor cell lines, like LSCC-RP9.
- The NK cell response is independent of RAV-2-induced antigens and T/B cell markers.
- Marek's disease virus infection can modulate NK cell activity, highlighting its role in immune response.
- These findings contribute to understanding avian NK cell function and potential therapeutic targets.