Event Title First Global Alliance for Research on Avian Diseases (GARAD) Conference
Session Title Unknown
Event Date & Time On Mon, 29 Jun 2015 at 17:10:00 - 17:25:00
Venue Edmond J. Safra Lecture Theatre
Abstract Title Differential response of resistant and susceptible chicken lines to a lentogenic Newcastle Disease Virus strain
Authors Melissa S. Herrmann
Affiliations Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
Abstract Content

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is a threat to poultry health; therefore, genetic enhancement of innate resistance to NDV infection is desirable. This study aims to discover genetic pathways associated with resistance to NDV by studying the transcriptome of two genetic lines, Fayoumi and Leghorn, which have been previously demonstrated as relatively resistant and susceptible to NDV, respectively. Chicks were challenged with LaSota NDV or given PBS as a control. Viral RNA was isolated from tears and the viral titer (log copy number) was quantified by qRT-PCR. NDV specific antibody titers were measured by ELISA. All pre- and non-challenge samples were negative for viral and antibody titer. The mixed model included the fixed effects of line, NDV-status, and their interaction, as well as the random variable of plate; significance was declared at P<0.05. At 2dpi, genetic line did not affect viral titer of challenged birds. At 6dpi, the NDV-challenged Fayoumis had significantly less virus than the challenged Leghorns, suggesting that Fayoumis are able to eliminate the virus more quickly. The challenged birds’ antibody titer did not differ between genetic lines at 10dpi. RNA sequencing was performed on trachea epithelial cells. The most significant differentially expressed transcripts between the challenged and non-challenged birds of both lines are involved in extravasation, T cell regulation, heterophil activation, and apoptosis. Further analysis is ongoing to elucidate a comprehensive picture over time of transcriptomic changes that result from NDV infection, and the differences between the resistant and susceptible genetic lines. This information is expected to identify gene families and pathways associated with response and resistance to NDV, which can aid in control of NDV-induced infection by breeding of chickens more robust and resistant to the disease. Supported by: USAID Innovation Lab for Genomics to Improve Poultry, USDA National Needs training grant.