Purinergic signaling during Marek’s disease in chickens

Abstract

Purinergic receptors (PRs) have been reported as potential therapeutic targets for many viral infections including herpesviruses, which urges the investigation into their role in Marek’s disease (MD), a herpesvirus induced cancer in chickens that is an important pathogen for the poultry industry. MD is caused by MD virus (MDV) that has a similar viral life cycle as human varicella zoster virus in that it is shed from infected epithelial skin cells and enters the host through the respiratory route. In this report, PR responses during natural MDV infection and disease progression was examined in MD-resistant white Leghorns (WL) and MD-susceptible Pure Columbian (PC) chickens during natural infection. Whole lung lavage cells (WLLC) and liver tissue samples were collected from chickens infected but showing no clinical signs of MD (Infected) or presenting with clinical disease (Diseased). RNA was extracted followed by RT-qPCR analysis with gene specific primers against members of the P1, P2X, and P2Y PR families. Differential expression (p < 0.05) was observed in breed and disease conditions. Some PRs showed tissue specific expression (P1A1, P2X1, and P2X6 in WLLC) whereas others responded to MDV infection only in MD-susceptible (PC) chickens (P1A2A, P2X1, P2X5, P2X7). P2Y PRs had differential expression in both chicken lines in response to MDV infection and MD progression. This study is the first to our knowledge to examine PR responses during MDV infection and disease progression. These results suggest PR signaling may an important area of research for MDV replication and MD.

Immune escape of avian oncogenic Marek’s disease herpesvirus and antagonistic host immune responses

“…In a recent study 132 , the sulfated polysaccharide extract ulvans from Ulva armoricana was verified to exert antiviral activity by limiting the replication/dissemination of viruses or stimulating the innate immune system of hosts, which may be an alternative to drug therapy for MDV infection. A study on the differential expression of purinergic receptors (PRs) in response to MDV infection and disease progression has demonstrated their crucial role in the process of https://doi.org/10.1038/s41541-024-00905-0 disease; PRs may provide another potential target for MD therapy 133 . The generation of breeding chicken lines with more robust immune resistance to MDV may be another effective strategy to address the current epidemic and emerging viruses.…”

Recent Updates on Multifunctional Nanomaterials as Antipathogens in Humans and Livestock: Classification, Application, Mode of Action, and Challenges

“…According to recent studies, alternative treatments like early innate responses and Tolllike receptor ligands have being explored to prevent viral diseases in poultry animals [120]. On this basis, Bavananthasivam et al [61] found that encapsulating TLR ligands in PLGA-NPs enhances IFN-γ and IL-1β expression, promoting prolonged innate responses and systemic immune responses against Marek's disease virus (MDV) in chickens.…”