Endogenous retroviral envelope antigen in plasma cells

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Genetics

Background:

• Previous studies indicated endogenous retroviral envelope antigen expression in splenic B cells of SRBC-sensitized chickens.
• This suggested antigen expression might be a general characteristic of plasma cells in certain chicken strains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of endogenous retroviral envelope antigen in plasma cells of various chicken lines.
• To determine if antigen expression is a general property of plasma cells in specific chicken strains.

Main Methods:

• Immunofluorescence assays utilizing antiviral sera.
• Analysis of plasma cells from Harder glands across different chicken lines.

Main Results:

• Endogenous retroviral envelope antigen was detected in plasma cells of lines 15I5 X 71, 15I5 X 72, and 15I5.
• The antigen was not detected in plasma cells from lines 72, 15B, or 63.
• Higher antigen levels were observed in 15I5 X 71 plasma cells compared to bursal cells.

Conclusions:

• Endogenous retroviral envelope antigen expression is specific to plasma cells in certain chicken lines.
• The presence of this antigen in 15I5 plasma cells, alongside the absence of p27-related antigen, points to the ev 6 genetic locus as a regulator.
• This suggests a genetic basis for endogenous retroviral envelope antigen expression in chicken plasma cells.