Avian Toll-like receptor 3 isoforms and evaluation of Toll-like receptor 3-mediated immune responses using knockout quail fibroblast cells.

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) induces host innate immune response on recognition of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Although several studies of avian TLR3 have been reported, none of these studies used a gene knockout (KO) model to directly assess its role in inducing the immune response and effect on other dsRNA receptors. In this study, we determined the coding sequence of quail TLR3, identified isoforms, and generated TLR3 KO quail fibroblast (QT-35) cells using a CRISPR/Cas9 system optimized for avian species. The TLR3-mediated immune response was studied by stimulating the wild-type (WT) and KO QT-35 cells with synthetic dsRNA or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] or infecting the cells with different RNA viruses such as influenza A virus, avian reovirus, and vesicular stomatitis virus. The direct poly(I:C) treatment significantly increased IFN-ß and IL-8 gene expression along with the cytoplasmic dsRNA receptor, melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), in WT cells, whereas no changes in all corresponding genes were observed in KO cells. We further confirmed the antiviral effects of poly(I:C)-induced TLR3-mediated immunity by demonstrating significant reduction of virus titer in poly(I:C)-treated WT cells, but not in TLR3 KO cells. On virus infection, varying levels of IFN-ß, IL-8, TLR3, and MDA5 gene upregulation were observed depending on the viruses. No major differences in gene expression level were observed between WT and TLR3 KO cells, which suggests a relatively minor role of TLR3 in sensing and exerting immune response against the viruses tested in vitro. Our data show that quail TLR3 is an important endosomal dsRNA receptor responsible for regulation of type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokine, and affect the expression of MDA5, another dsRNA receptor, most likely through cytokine-mediated communication.

Influence of Pichia pastoris X-33 produced in industrial residues on productive performance, egg quality, immunity, and intestinal morphometry in quails.

This study was conducted in quails to evaluate the probiotic potential of Pichia pastoris X-33, cultivated in parboiled rice effluent supplemented with biodiesel glycerol or in standard medium Yeast Extract-Peptone-Dextrose (YPD). Forty-days-old female quails were divided into three treatments: T1 (Control) received a basal diet without P. pastoris; T2 (Pichia Effluent) received a basal diet supplemented with P. pastoris grown in parboiled rice effluent and biodiesel glycerol, and T3 (Pichia YPD) received a basal diet supplemented with P. pastoris produced in YPD. The birds were vaccinated against Newcastle Disease (NDV), Avian Infectious Bronchitis (IBV), and Gumboro Disease on days 1 and 28. The following parameters were analyzed: performance, egg quality, humoral immune response to the vaccines, organ weight, and intestinal morphometry. P. pastoris grown in YPD increased egg weight (p < 0.05). The lowest liver weight on day 14 was obtained in Pichia Effluent, whereas both P. pastoris supplemented groups had the lowest duodenum weights on day 14. Besides that, livers and duodenums presented no morphological changes in any of the three treatments. Supplementation of P. pastoris modulated the immune system of the birds, increasing anti-IBV, anti-NDV, and anti-Gumboro antibodies levels compared to the Control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, quail's immune response was improved by Pichia pastoris X-33, either it was grown in YPD or industrial residues, and the egg weight increased with Pichia pastoris X-33 grown in YPD, thereby demonstrating to be a promising probiotic for poultry.

Heat shock protein 70 protects the quail cecum against oxidant stress, inflammatory injury, and microbiota imbalance induced by cold stress.

The intent of this study was to investigate the effects of cold stress on oxidative indexes, inflammatory factors, and microbiota in the quail cecum. A total of 192 male quails (15-day-old) were randomly divided into 12 groups (16 in each group) and were exposed to acute (up to 12 h) and chronic (up to 20 D) cold stress at 12 ± 1°C. After cold stress treatment, we examined morphological damage, oxidative stress indexes, inflammatory factors, and intestinal microbiota. Results of morphological examination showed that both acute and chronic cold stress can lead to cecal tissue injury. In addition, both acute and chronic cold stress, especially chronic cold stress can influence the activity of oxidative stress mediators. Glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while the nitric oxide (NO) content and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity increased significantly (p < 0.05). Moreover, mRNA levels of inflammatory factors cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES), and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) were higher in both acute and chronic cold stress groups when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the intestinal microbiota was changed in both the acute and chronic cold stress groups. These results suggested that cold stress caused oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in cecal tissues, influenced cecal microbiota, and increased expression of Hsp70, which may contribute in protecting the cecum against cold stress in quails.

Effect of low- or high-CP diet with cold-pressed oil supplementation on growth, immunity and antioxidant indices of growing quail.

This study was to investigate the effect of dietary protein levels and supplementation with two cold-pressed oils on the performance, immunity and antioxidant indices of growing Japanese quails. A 3 × 4 factorial experiment, using 3 dietary crude protein (CP) levels (22%, 24% and 26%) and 4 supplemental herbal oils levels: control without additives, 250 mg marjoram (Mar), 250 mg thyme (Thy) and 125 mg Mar + 125 mg Thy per kg diet. A total of 720 unsexed, 7-day-old quail chicks were randomly distributed into twelve treatment groups (4 replicates per group of 15 chicks in each). The live body weight (LBW) on 42 days and body weight gain (BWG) from 7 to 42 days were significantly improved (p < 0.01 and 0.05) in chicks fed 24% or 26% CP compared with those of the 22% CP group. The groups fed diets supplemented with Mar or in combination with Thy oil exhibited significantly better LBW, BWG and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control at all periods except BWG from 21 to 42 days and FCR from 7 to 21 days were not significant. Feed intake was gradually decreased with increasing dietary CP level or adding herbal oils during the periods 21-42 and 7-42 days of age. Plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, total lipids and malondialdehyde were decreased by cold-pressed oils supplementation, but the activity of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase was increased (p < 0.01) compared with the control. In conclusion, quails fed a diet containing 24% or 26% CP or diets supplemented with Mar or Thy oils or both exhibited improvement in the performance, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant capacity without any detrimental impacts on the other studied parameters.

Exposure to artificial light at night increases innate immune activity during development in a precocial bird.

Humans have greatly altered Earth's night-time photic environment via the production of artificial light at night (ALAN; e.g. street lights, car traffic, billboards, lit buildings). ALAN is a problem of growing importance because it may significantly disrupt the seasonal and daily physiological rhythms and behaviors of animals. There has been considerable interest in the impacts of ALAN on health of humans and other animals, but most of this work has centered on adults and we know comparatively little about effects on young animals. We exposed 3-week-old king quail (Excalfactoria chinensis) to a constant overnight blue-light regime for 6 weeks and assessed weekly bactericidal activity of plasma against Escherichia coli - a commonly employed metric of innate immunity in animals. We found that chronic ALAN exposure significantly increased bactericidal activity and that this elevation in immune performance manifested at different developmental time points in males and females. Whether this short-term increase in immune activity can be extended to wild animals, and whether ALAN-mediated increases in immune activity have positive or negative fitness effects, are unknown and will provide interesting avenues for future studies.

Effects of the stems and leaves of Astragalus membranaceus on growth performance, immunological parameters, antioxidant status, and intestinal bacteria of quail.

This study was designed to evaluate the potential application of the stems and leaves of Astragalus membranaceus (AMSL) in the poultry industry. Quails were divided into four groups and fed daily with an AMSL-free diet (control) or with 1%, 3%, or 5% (w/w) AMSL-incorporated diets for 35 days. The results showed that supplementing AMSL in the diet, especially at a concentration of 3%, increased daily gain and feed intake during the entire experiment (p < 0.05). The immune organ development of the thymus and bursa of Fabricius was promoted, and the immune system was enhanced by increasing the quantities of IgA and complements C3 and C4 (p < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity and the activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase were increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, the 3%-5% AMSL groups regulated the intestinal flora by promoting the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria and inhibiting the growth of coliform bacteria (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding incorporated diets with appropriate AMSL levels significantly increased growth performance, strengthened the immune system, improved antioxidative status, and regulated the intestinal microflora of quails, suggesting that AMSL has the potential to serve as a feed additive in the poultry industry.

Production, purification, and evaluation of quail immunoglobulin Y against Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis.

Salmonella species have been the major foodborne problems in food production systems, with Salmonella enterica serovars typhimurium (S. typhimurium) and enteritidis (S. enteritidis) being among the more common isolates. The oral administration of chicken egg yolk specific antibodies (IgYs) has been established as an efficient alternative for treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal pathogens including Salmonella. The present study was aimed to investigate the possible production of specific IgYs against Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis in quail egg yolks. Salmonella spp.-free female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were intramuscularly immunized with formalin or heat-inactivated Salmonella immunogens (1.0 × 109 CFU/mL) emulsified with Freund adjuvants. Egg yolk IgYs were purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation method. Anti-Salmonella IgYs titer and specificity were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis. Salmonella specific IgYs detected in the immunized quails were significantly higher than those of the control group, which confirmed the immunization procedure. Specific IgYs against S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis were identified in both groups immunized with heat or formalin-inactivated immunogens. However, formalin-inactivated immunogens induced relatively higher immune responses over the heat-inactivated ones. Quail anti-Salmonella IgYs showed a high specificity to their corresponding immunogens, with moderate cross-reactivity to other members of Enterobacteriaceae family. Quail can be regarded as a valuable and inexpensive source for producing large-scale of specific antibodies that can be used for immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic purposes.

The role of heat shock protein 70 in oxidant stress and inflammatory injury in quail spleen induced by cold stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in the spleen of quails which were induced by cold stress. One hundred ninety-two 15-day-old male quails were randomly divided into 12 groups and kept at 12 ± 1 °C to examine acute and chronic cold stress. We first detected the changes in activities of antioxidant enzymes in the spleen tissue under acute and chronic cold stress. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) fluctuated in acute cold stress groups, while they were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after chronic cold stress. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nitric oxide (NO) content were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both of the acute and chronic cold stress groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly increased (p < 0.05) under cold stress except the 0.5 h group of acute cold stress. Besides, histopathological analysis showed that quail's spleen tissue was inflammatory injured seriously in both the acute and chronic cold stress groups. Additionally, the inflammatory factors (cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES), iNOS, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α)) and Hsp70 mRNA levels were increased in both of the acute and chronic cold stress groups compared with the control groups. These results suggest that oxidative stress and inflammatory injury could be induced by cold stress in spleen tissues of quails. Furthermore, the increased expression of Hsp70 may play a role in protecting the spleen against oxidative stress and inflammatory damage caused by cold stress.

Differential responses of innate immunity triggered by different subtypes of influenza a viruses in human and avian hosts.

BACKGROUND: Innate immunity provides first line of defense against viral infections. The interactions between hosts and influenza A virus and the response of host innate immunity to viral infection are critical determinants for the pathogenicity or virulence of influenza A viruses. This study was designed to investigate global changes of gene expression and detailed responses of innate immune systems in human and avian hosts during the course of infection with various subtypes of influenza A viruses, using collected and self-generated transcriptome sequencing data from human bronchial epithelial (HBE), human tracheobronchial epithelial (HTBE), and A549 cells infected with influenza A virus subtypes, namely H1N1, H3N2, H5N1 HALo mutant, and H7N9, and from ileum and lung of chicken and quail infected with H5N1, or H5N2. RESULTS: We examined the induction of various cytokines and chemokines in human hosts infected with different subtypes of influenza A viruses. Type I and III interferons were found to be differentially induced with each subtype. H3N2 caused abrupt and the strongest response of IFN-ß and IFN-λ, followed by H1N1 (though much weaker), whereas H5N1 HALo mutant and H7N9 induced very minor change in expression of type I and III interferons. Similarly, differential responses of other innate immunity-related genes were observed, including TMEM173, MX1, OASL, IFI6, IFITs, IFITMs, and various chemokine genes like CCL5, CX3CL1, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligands, SOCS (suppressors of cytokine signaling) genes. Third, the replication kinetics of H1N1, H3N2, H5N1 HALo mutant and H7N9 subtypes were analyzed, H5N1 HALo mutant was found to have the highest viral replication rate, followed by H3N2, and H1N1, while H7N9 had a rate similar to that of H1N1 or H3N2 though in different host cell type. CONCLUSION: Our study illustrated the differential responses of innate immunity to infections of different subtypes of influenza A viruses. We found the influenza viruses which induced stronger innate immune responses replicate slower than those induces weaker innate immune responses. Our study provides important insight into links between the differential innate immune responses from hosts and the pathogenicity/ virulence of different subtypes of influenza A viruses.

Immune responsiveness of Japanese quail selected for egg yolk testosterone content under severe protein restriction.

Yolk testosterone concentrations vary in response to environmental conditions and different testosterone contents can subsequently modify the phenotypic traits of offspring. Apart from effects on growth, proactive behaviour and secondary sexual characteristics, the possible negative impacts of maternal testosterone on the immune system are often considered a limitation for its deposition. The effects of maternal testosterone can be modulated by postnatal environmental conditions, such as the availability of food resources. However, the majority of studies considering the effects of maternal testosterone on the immune system have been conducted under optimum conditions. We evaluated the influence of genetic selection for high (HET) and low (LET) egg testosterone content in Japanese quail on immune responsiveness of offspring to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation under severe protein restriction. Protein restriction negatively influenced body weight and performance in the PHA-test. We observed an increase in Cort (corticosterone) and He/Ly (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio) after LPS, while no changes occurred in total IgY levels in the protein-restricted group. HET quails showed higher body mass and total IgY levels and lower He/Ly ratio than LET quails, while the PHA index and Cort concentration did not differ between lines. No interactions were found between protein restriction and genetic line. In conclusion, the immune response was not compromised under conditions of severe protein restriction in the faster growing HET line compared with the LET line. We hypothesise that the immune responsiveness of birds with higher yolk testosterone may be linked with other maternally-derived substances in a context-dependent manner.

Production of mouse anti-quail IgY and subsequent labeling with horseradish peroxidase using cyanuric chloride.

Polyclonal antibodies labeled with a tracer have been commonly used as secondary antibodies in immunochemical assays to quantify the concentration of antibody-antigen complexes. The majority of these antibodies conjugated with a tracer are commercially available, with the exception of few untouched targets. This study focused on the production and application of mouse anti-quail IgY as an intermediate antibody to link between quail egg yolk IgY and goat anti-mouse IgG-HRP as primary and secondary antibodies, respectively. Subsequently, the produced mouse anti-quail IgY was labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and its efficiency on enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was compared with that of commercial rabbit anti-chicken IgY-HRP. As an intermediate antibody, mouse anti-quail IgY was successfully produced with good affinity and sensitivity (1:10,000) to the primary and secondary antibodies. Subsequently, mouse anti-quail IgY was effectively conjugated with HRP enzyme, resulting in a secondary antibody with good sensitivity (1:10,000) to quail anti-V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus IgY. The detection limit was 10(5) CFU/ml for both V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. The efficiency of the produced conjugate to detect quail IgY on ELISA was comparable to that of the commercial rabbit anti-chicken IgY-HRP, and hence the produced and labeled mouse anti-quail IgY-HRP can be used as a secondary antibody to detect any antibody produced in quail.

Cross-species association of quail invariant chain with chicken and mouse MHC II molecules.

There are different degrees of similarity among vertebrate invariant chains (Ii). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between quail and other vertebrate Ii MHC class II molecules. The two quail Ii isoforms (qIi-1, qIi-2) were cloned by RACE, and qRT-PCR analysis of different organs showed that their expression levels were positively correlated with MHC II gene (B-LB) transcription levels. Confocal microscopy indicated that quail full-length Ii co-localized with MHC II of quail, chicken or mouse in 293FT cells co-transfected with both genes. Immunoprecipitation and western blotting further indicated that these aggregates corresponded to polymers of Ii and MHC class II molecules. This cross-species molecular association of quail Ii with chicken and mouse MHC II suggests that Ii molecules have a high structural and functional similarity and may thereby be used as potential immune carriers across species.

Genetic and antigenic characteristics of H4 subtype avian influenza viruses in Korea and their pathogenicity in quails, domestic ducks and mice.

In Korea, a nationwide surveillance programme was implemented in 2003 to identify highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs). AIVs belonging to one of the most common haemagglutinin subtypes, H4, were isolated from two domestic ducks and 52 wild birds between 2004 and 2010. These H4 AIVs could be further classified into three neuraminidase subtypes: H4N6 (94.4%), H4N2 (3.7%) and H4N3 (1.9%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the H4 AIVs had a variety of genetic constellations, with at least nine different genotypes represented. The pathogenicity of these H4 viruses was assessed in quails, domestic ducks and mice. None of the H4 AIVs induced clinical signs in quails or domestic ducks. Viral shedding in quails was relatively high, and virus was recovered up to 5-7 days post-inoculation (p.i.) in oropharyngeal swabs, but the viruses replicated poorly in domestic ducks. Quails may act as an intermediate host in which AIVs are amplified and transmitted to other species. In mice, all of the AIVs were recovered efficiently at relatively high titres from the lungs up to 7 days p.i., demonstrating the potential for AIVs to infect mice directly without prior adaptation. None of the AIVs induced clinical signs nor was any lethal to infected mice. However, there was significant loss of body weight in mice infected with viruses of duck origin. It is suggested that the active surveillance of influenza viruses needs to be enhanced in domestic poultry as well as in wild birds, and that it should include assessment of pathogenicity in animal models.

Reproductive phase dependent daily variation in melatonin receptors (Mel(1a) and Mel(1b)), androgen receptor (AR) and lung associated immunity of Perdicula asiatica.

Our knowledge about the involvement of melatonin in the regulation of lung associated immune system (LAIS) is still poor though the melatonin receptor types (Mel(1a) and Mel(1b)) have been localized in lungs of some wild birds. We thought to explore the correlation between daily variation (within a 24h time scale) in peripheral melatonin and testosterone along with expression of melatonin receptors (Mel(1a) and Mel(1b)) and androgen receptor (AR) in lungs during reproductively active and inactive phases. Receptor expression of Mel(1b) was more prominent than Mel(1a) at all the time points during both the reproductive phases. The expression of AR was inversely related to both the melatonin and its receptor expression at the 24h time scale during both the reproductive phases. Results also reflected a parallel relationship of melatonin, melatonin receptors and all the immune parameters (total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, % stimulation ratio) suggesting that peripheral melatonin might be responsible for daily periodicity of LAIS. The presence of androgen receptors in lung led us to propose that gonadal steroid does influence the LAIS. Therefore melatonin along with testosterone might be acting as a temporal synchronizer for daily rhythms in lung associated immunity in Perdicula asiatica during different reproductive phases.

Anatomical and histological profile of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and localization of melatonin receptor types (Mel 1a and Mel 1b) in the lung-associated immune system of a tropical bird, Perdicula asiatica.

The histological distribution of the lung-associated immune system (LAIS) and the expressional pattern of melatonin receptors are still unknown in birds. The aim of the present study was to determine the localization of the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT nodule) in a tropical bird, the Indian jungle bush quail, Perdicula asiatica. We also demonstrate the expression of melatonin receptor types (Mel(1a) and Mel(1b)) in order to propose an immunomodulatory role of melatonin in LAIS. Localization of melatonin receptors in the lung of the Indian jungle bush quail, P. asiatica was supported immunohistochemically and by Western blot analysis using specific antibodies for those receptors. Immunolocalization for Mel(1b) receptor was noted in the bronchial region of the lungs, in finger-like projections of mucosal foldings, in lymphocytes in the BALT nodule as well as in free form. In contrast, immunolocalization for Mel(1a) receptor was noted in various areas of the lung instead of in the bronchial region. Western blot analysis showed a single band at 37 and 39kDa for Mel(1a) and Mel(1b) receptors, respectively, with the latter showing higher expression. The results demonstrate a well-developed LAIS and region-specific distribution of melatonin receptors in the lung and provide evidence for a possible functional role for melatonin in the LAIS of birds.

Microscopic detection of IgY-Fc binding signal in the inner layers of ovarian follicular tissue in quail.

In avian species, it has been assumed that an Fc receptor in the ovarian follicles mediates immunoglobulin Y (IgY) transport into the yolk. However, no such receptor responsible for IgY has been identified to date. To examine potential IgY binding activity in the entire ovarian follicle, whole-mount sections of quail ovarian follicle were incubated with the Fc fragment of chicken IgY (cIgY). Whole-mount frozen sections of the second largest ovarian follicle were prepared, and then the sections were incubated with digoxigenin-labeled Fc or Fab fragments of cIgY. Microscopic observation revealed that incubation with the cIgY-Fc fragment produced a binding signal in the inner layer of the ovarian follicular tissues, most likely in the granulosa cell layer. However, no such signal was detected when the sections were incubated with cIgY-Fab. Coincubation of the ovarian sections with Alexa488-labeled cIgY-Fc and antiserum raised against ZP1, an envelope protein specifically localized in the perivitelline layer, demonstrated that the source of the Fc binding signals partly coincided with the perivitelline layer. In conclusion, our data suggest that potential IgY binding substances interacting with the Fc domain are present in the inner layers of ovarian follicular tissues, most likely in the granulosa cell layer and/or in the perivitelline layer.

Novel monoclonal antibodies recognise guinea fowl thrombocytes.

This paper introduces two novel monoclonal antibodies, designated GTr1 and GTr2, which recognise guinea fowl thrombocyte surface antigen(s). The antibodies were tested in embryos and adult birds. GTr1 and GTr2 staining emerged at embryonic days 12 and 7, respectively. After embryonic day 12 there was no difference in staining pattern between the two monoclonal antibodies. The isotype of the antibodies is IgG1. The antibodies did not react with any other haematopoietic cells of guinea fowl, and there was no species cross-reaction with chicken, turkey and quail. The antibodies can be used in interspecies chimeric and parabiotic experiments to identify cells of guinea fowl origin.