Analysis of chicken genes reveals possible variants associated with innate immunity to harmful viral infections. Image According to a study of genes related to chicken immunity, poultry could be bred to be resistant to harmful viral infections.A study of different chicken species - known to be either more resistant or more susceptible to common poultry viruses - has uncovered dozens of variations in genes that play a key role in chickens' immune response to infections.The findings led by a team of Roslin Institute scientists may point to genetic variations that determine how birds respond to infections to help breed disease-resistant poultry.Viral infections are a significant challenge for the poultry industry as well as impacting on animal welfare. Determining genetic factors that enable birds to present a robust resistance to infection could deliver a host of benefits.Joshua Mountford, Study lead author, Roslin InstituteHarmful infectionsThe researchers analysed DNA from chickens that are naturally more resistant or susceptible to avian influenza, Marek's disease, infectious bursal disease or infectious bronchitis virus - all viruses that are costly to the poultry industry.The computer analysis looked for variations in genes associated with the production of immune proteins called interferons and other related molecules.The team sought to compare its results to a standard chicken reference genome to determine the effects caused by variations in these DNA regions and how they might relate to individual birds' response to infection.In total, their analysis identified 60 genetic variations likely to influence resistance or susceptibility to any of the four infections.Our study is a good first step to understand the genetic factors influencing innate immunity to a range of viral infections in poultry. The variants we have discovered merit further investigation and could be valuable in breeding chickens resistant to disease.Dr Jacqueline Smith, Roslin InstituteRelated LinksThe Roslin InstituteGenetic variation in chicken interferon signalling pathway genes in research lines showing differential viral resistanceJacqueline Smith Profile Publication date 03 Nov, 2022
