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Fazel F, Matsuyama-Kato A, Alizadeh M, Zheng J, Fletcher C, Gupta B, St-Denis M, Boodhoo N, Sharif S. A Marek's Disease Virus Messenger RNA-Based Vaccine Modulates Local and Systemic Immune Responses in Chickens. Viruses 2024; 16:1156. [PMID: 39066318 PMCID: PMC11281610 DOI: 10.3390/v16071156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Marek's disease (MD), caused by the Marek's disease virus, is a lymphoproliferative disease in chickens that can be controlled by vaccination. However, the current vaccines can limit tumor growth and death but not virus replication and transmission. The present study aimed to evaluate host responses following intramuscular injection of an mRNA vaccine encoding gB and pp38 proteins of the MDV within the first 36 h. The vaccine was injected in low and high doses using prime and prime-boost strategies. The expression of type I and II interferons (IFNs), a panel of interferon-stimulated genes, and two key antiviral cytokines, IL-1β and IL-2, were measured in spleen and lungs after vaccination. The transcriptional analysis of the above genes showed significant increases in the expression of MDA5, Myd88, IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IRF7, OAS, Mx1, and IL-2 in both the spleen and lungs within the first 36 h of immunization. Secondary immunization increased expression of all the above genes in the lungs. In contrast, only IFN-γ, MDA5, MyD88, Mx1, and OAS showed significant upregulation in the spleen after the secondary immunization. This study shows that two doses of the MDV mRNA vaccine encoding gB and pp38 antigens activate innate and adaptive responses and induce an antiviral state in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shayan Sharif
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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Zhu ZJ, Teng M, Liu Y, Chen FJ, Yao Y, Li EZ, Luo J. Immune escape of avian oncogenic Marek's disease herpesvirus and antagonistic host immune responses. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:109. [PMID: 38879650 PMCID: PMC11180173 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00905-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly pathogenic and oncogenic alpha herpesvirus that causes Marek's disease (MD), which is one of the most important immunosuppressive and rapid-onset neoplastic diseases in poultry. The onset of MD lymphomas and other clinical diseases can be efficiently prevented by vaccination; these vaccines are heralded as the first demonstration of a successful vaccination strategy against a cancer. However, the persistent evolution of epidemic MDV strains towards greater virulence has recently resulted in frequent outbreaks of MD in vaccinated chicken flocks worldwide. Herein, we provide an overall review focusing on the discovery and identification of the strategies by which MDV evades host immunity and attacks the immune system. We have also highlighted the decrease in the immune efficacy of current MD vaccines. The prospects, strategies and new techniques for the development of efficient MD vaccines, together with the possibilities of antiviral therapy in MD, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jian Zhu
- College of Biological and Food Engineering & Affiliated Central Hospital, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Animal Health & UK-China Center of Excellence for Research on Avian Disease, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, People's Republic of China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Zhengzhou, 450002, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Teng
- Institute for Animal Health & UK-China Center of Excellence for Research on Avian Disease, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, People's Republic of China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Zhengzhou, 450002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Biological and Food Engineering & Affiliated Central Hospital, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Jia Chen
- College of Biological and Food Engineering & Affiliated Central Hospital, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxiu Yao
- The Pirbright Institute & UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, Pirbright, Ash Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU24 0NF, UK
| | - En-Zhong Li
- College of Biological and Food Engineering & Affiliated Central Hospital, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Luo
- Institute for Animal Health & UK-China Center of Excellence for Research on Avian Disease, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Zhengzhou, 450002, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of Functional Microbiology and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, People's Republic of China.
- Longhu Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
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Fazel F, Matsuyama-Kato A, Alizadeh M, Boodhoo N, Sharif S. Efficacy and tolerability of an mRNA vaccine expressing gB and pp38 antigens of Marek's disease virus in chickens. Virology 2024; 590:109970. [PMID: 38134535 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Marek's disease is a contagious proliferative disease of chickens caused by an alphaherpesvirus called Marek's disease virus. A bivalent mRNA vaccine encoding MDV's glycoprotein-B and phosphoprotein-38 antigens was synthesized and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. Tumor incidence, lesion score, organ weight indices, MDV genome load and cytokine expression were used to evaluate protection and immunostimulatory effects of the tested mRNA vaccine after two challenge trials. Results from the first trial showed decreased tumor incidence and a reduction in average lesion scores in chickens that received the booster dose. The second trial demonstrated that vaccination with the higher dose of the vaccine (10 μg) significantly decreased tumor incidence, average lesion scores, bursal atrophy, and MDV load in feather tips when compared to the controls. Changes in expression of type I and II interferons suggested a possible role for these cytokines in initiation and maintenance of the vaccine-originated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Fazel
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ayumi Matsuyama-Kato
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Mohammadali Alizadeh
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nitish Boodhoo
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Shayan Sharif
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Yu ZH, Zhang YP, Lan XG, Wang YN, Guo RR, Li K, Gao L, Qi XL, Cui HY, Wang XM, Gao YL, Liu CJ. Differences in Pathogenicity and Vaccine Resistance Discovered between Two Epidemic Strains of Marek's Disease Virus in China. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040945. [PMID: 37112925 PMCID: PMC10145439 DOI: 10.3390/v15040945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite highly effective vaccines, Marek's disease (MD) causes great economic loss to the poultry industry annually, largely due to the continuous emergence of new MD virus (MDV) strains. To explore the pathogenic characteristics of newly emerged MDV strains, we selected two strains (AH/1807 and DH/18) with clinically different pathotypes. We studied each strain's infection process and pathogenicity and observed differences in immunosuppression and vaccine resistance. Specific pathogen-free chickens, unvaccinated or vaccinated with CVI988, were challenged with AH/1807 or DH/18. Both infections induced MD damage; however, differences were observed in terms of mortality (AH/1807: 77.8%, DH/18: 50%) and tumor rates (AH/1807: 50%, DH/18: 33.3%). The immune protection indices of the vaccine also differed (AH/1807: 94.1, DH/18: 61.1). Additionally, while both strains caused interferon-β and interferon-γ expression to decline, DH/18 infection caused stronger immunosuppression than AH/1807. This inhibition persisted even after vaccination, leading to increased replication of DH/18 that ultimately broke through vaccine immune protection. These results indicate that both strains have different characteristics, and that strains such as DH/18, which cause weaker pathogenic damage but can break through vaccine immune protection, require further attention. Our findings increase the understanding of the differences between epidemic strains and factors underlying MD vaccination failure in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Hao Yu
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Yan-Ping Zhang
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Xing-Ge Lan
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Ya-Nan Wang
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Rong-Rong Guo
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Kai Li
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Li Gao
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Xiao-Le Qi
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Hong-Yu Cui
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Wang
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Yu-Long Gao
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Chang-Jun Liu
- Avian Immunosuppressive Diseases Division, State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
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Warren WC, Rice ES, Meyer A, Hearn CJ, Steep A, Hunt HD, Monson MS, Lamont SJ, Cheng HH. The immune cell landscape and response of Marek's disease resistant and susceptible chickens infected with Marek's disease virus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5355. [PMID: 37005445 PMCID: PMC10067856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32308-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically resistant or susceptible chickens to Marek's disease (MD) have been widely used models to identify the molecular determinants of these phenotypes. However, these prior studies lacked the basic identification and understanding of immune cell types that could be translated toward improved MD control. To gain insights into specific immune cell types and their responses to Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) on splenic cells from MD resistant and susceptible birds. In total, 14,378 cells formed clusters that identified various immune cell types. Lymphocytes, specifically T cell subtypes, were the most abundant with significant proportional changes in some subtypes upon infection. The largest number of differentially expressed genes (DEG) response was seen in granulocytes, while macrophage DEGs differed in directionality by subtype and line. Among the most DEG in almost all immune cell types were granzyme and granulysin, both associated with cell-perforating processes. Protein interactive network analyses revealed multiple overlapping canonical pathways within both lymphoid and myeloid cell lineages. This initial estimation of the chicken immune cell type landscape and its accompanying response will greatly aid efforts in identifying specific cell types and improving our knowledge of host response to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley C Warren
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Edward S Rice
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ashley Meyer
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Cari J Hearn
- Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory, USDA, ARS, USNPRC, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alec Steep
- Department of Human Genetics Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Henry D Hunt
- Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory, USDA, ARS, USNPRC, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Melissa S Monson
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, USDA, ARS, NADC, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Susan J Lamont
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Hans H Cheng
- Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory, USDA, ARS, USNPRC, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Effects of Reticuloendotheliosis virus on TLR-3/IFN-Β pathway in specific pathogen-free chickens. Res Vet Sci 2023; 156:36-44. [PMID: 36774696 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Birds infected by Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) are vulnerable to other microorganisms. This immunosuppression is related to the immune organs (thymus, bursa of Fabricius, and spleen) damaged by REV. The regulation of IFN-β greatly depends on pattern recognition receptor TLR-3 and nuclear factors IRF-7, NF-κB. To address if and how the TLR-3/IFN-β pathway is disturbed by REV, 60 one-day-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were intraperitoneally injected with RE virus dilution (n = 30) or stroke-physiological saline solution (n = 30). At 1, 3, 7, 21, and 28 days post-infection, after collecting thymuses, bursas, and spleens, we monitor the kinetics of TLR-3, IFN-β, NF-κB p65, and IRF-7 at transcriptional and translational levels using qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA separately. As a result, compared with control chickens, the mRNA levels of TLR-3, IRF-7, and NF-κB p65 showed increasingly differences in the early period of REV infection. Synchronal changes occurred at translation levels. In the latter infection period, a decrease of NF-κB p65 was contemporaneous with a fall in IFN-β at both transcriptional and translational levels in the thymuses and bursas. These data suggest that the changes of IFN-β content are closely related to NF-κB p65 when REV invades chicken central immune organs. That reveals new insights into the immunosuppression mechanism of REV in avian.
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Boodhoo N, Behboudi S. Marek's disease virus-specific T cells proliferate, express antiviral cytokines but have impaired degranulation response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:973762. [PMID: 36189228 PMCID: PMC9521602 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.973762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype is one of the major determinants of genetic resistance and susceptibility of chickens to Marek's disease (MD) which is caused by an oncogenic herpesvirus; Marek's disease virus (MDV). To determine differential functional abilities of T cells associated with resistance and susceptibility to MD, we identified immunodominant CD4+TCRvβ1 T cell epitopes within the pp38 antigen of MDV in B19 and B21 MHC haplotype chickens using an ex vivo ELISPOT assay for chicken IFN-gamma. These novel pp38 peptides were used to characterize differential functional abilities of T cells as associated with resistance and susceptibility to MD. The results demonstrated an upregulation of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10) and lymphocyte lysis-related genes (perforin and granzyme B) in an antigen specific manner using RT-PCR. In the MD-resistant chickens (B21 MHC haplotype), antigen-specific and non-specific response was highly skewed towards Th2 response as defined by higher levels of IL-4 expression as well as lymphocyte lysis-related genes compared to that in the MD-susceptible chicken line (B19 MHC haplotype). Using CD107a degranulation assay, the results showed that MDV infection impairs cytotoxic function of T cells regardless of their genetic background. Taken together, the data demonstrate an association between type of T cell response to pp38 and resistance to the disease and will shed light on our understanding of immune response to this oncogenic herpesvirus and failure to induce sterile immunity.
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Wang H, Li W, Zheng SJ. Advances on Innate Immune Evasion by Avian Immunosuppressive Viruses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:901913. [PMID: 35634318 PMCID: PMC9133627 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.901913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is not only the first line of host defense against pathogenic infection, but also the cornerstone of adaptive immune response. Upon pathogenic infection, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of host engage pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of pathogens, which initiates IFN production by activating interferon regulatory transcription factors (IRFs), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and/or activating protein-1 (AP-1) signal transduction pathways in host cells. In order to replicate and survive, pathogens have evolved multiple strategies to evade host innate immune responses, including IFN-I signal transduction, autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis, inflammasome and/or metabolic pathways. Some avian viruses may not be highly pathogenic but they have evolved varied strategies to evade or suppress host immune response for survival, causing huge impacts on the poultry industry worldwide. In this review, we focus on the advances on innate immune evasion by several important avian immunosuppressive viruses (infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), Marek’s disease virus (MDV), avian leukosis virus (ALV), etc.), especially their evasion of PRRs-mediated signal transduction pathways (IFN-I signal transduction pathway) and IFNAR-JAK-STAT signal pathways. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanism by which avian viruses evade or suppress host immune responses will be of help to the development of novel vaccines and therapeutic reagents for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongnuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shijun J. Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shijun J. Zheng,
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Gao L, Zheng S, Wang Y. The Evasion of Antiviral Innate Immunity by Chicken DNA Viruses. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:771292. [PMID: 34777325 PMCID: PMC8581555 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.771292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system constitutes the first line of host defense. Viruses have evolved multiple mechanisms to escape host immune surveillance, which has been explored extensively for human DNA viruses. There is growing evidence showing the interaction between avian DNA viruses and the host innate immune system. In this review, we will survey the present knowledge of chicken DNA viruses, then describe the functions of DNA sensors in avian innate immunity, and finally discuss recent progresses in chicken DNA virus evasion from host innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shijun Zheng
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Marek's disease virus prolongs survival of primary chicken B-cells by inducing a senescence-like phenotype. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010006. [PMID: 34673841 PMCID: PMC8562793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Marek’s disease virus (MDV) is an alphaherpesvirus that causes immunosuppression and deadly lymphoma in chickens. Lymphoid organs play a central role in MDV infection in animals. B-cells in the bursa of Fabricius facilitate high levels of MDV replication and contribute to dissemination at early stages of infection. Several studies investigated host responses in bursal tissue of MDV-infected chickens; however, the cellular responses specifically in bursal B-cells has never been investigated. We took advantage of our recently established in vitro infection system to decipher the cellular responses of bursal B-cells to infection with a very virulent MDV strain. Here, we demonstrate that MDV infection extends the survival of bursal B-cells in culture. Microarray analyses revealed that most cytokine/cytokine-receptor-, cell cycle- and apoptosis-associated genes are significantly down-regulated in these cells. Further functional assays validated these strong effects of MDV infections on cell cycle progression and thus, B-cell proliferation. In addition, we confirmed that MDV infections protect B-cells from apoptosis and trigger an accumulation of the autophagy marker Lc3-II. Taken together, our data indicate that MDV-infected bursal B-cells show hallmarks of a senescence-like phenotype, leading to a prolonged B-cell survival. This study provides an in-depth analysis of bursal B-cell responses to MDV infection and important insights into how the virus extends the survival of these cells. Upon MDV entry via the respiratory tract, B-cells are among the first cells to be infected in the lung and allow an efficient amplification of the virus. B-cells ensure the transmission of the virus to activated T-cells in which it replicates and ultimately transforms CD4-positive T-cells. Although playing a pivotal role in the MDV life cycle, the response of B-cells to MDV is currently not fully understood. Here, by using an in vitro infection model of primary bursal B-cells, we show that MDV infection leads to a prolonged B-cell survival resulting from decreased cell proliferation, protection from apoptosis and activation of autophagy. Our study provides new insights into the B-cell response to MDV infection, demonstrating that MDV triggers a senescence-like phenotype in B-cells that could potentiate their role in MDV pathogenesis.
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