Use of NK cells to stimulate the chicken immune system for better protection against pathogens

Natural killer cells as potential biomarkers of immune system development in chicken embryos.

The prevention of major infectious diseases in poultry is mostly achieved by vaccination and the use of drugs in animal feed. There is immense pressure of rationally using these drugs because of the risk of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, we search for alternatives to protect chickens against infectious diseases. A possible strategy to induce a better protection is via activation of natural killer cells through in ovo vaccination. Natural killer cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte (a white blood cell) and a component of the innate immune system. They play a critical role in early defense against infected cells and rejection of tumor cells. 

In this project we seek to combine the fundamental research on chicken natural killer cells with the expertise of the industrial partner (Zoetis) on in ovo vaccination. Vaccinating eggs instead of chickens will reduce bird stress and is less prone to human errors than traditional vaccination methods. Thus, activation of natural killers cells by in ovo vaccination is a novel, more efficient way to enhance the chicken immune system and protect the birds against pathogens.

Natural killer cells are involved in the early defense against viral infection and play a role in the induction of the subsequent adaptive immune responses. Here we will investigate if enhanced natural killer responses are associated with improved immunity. After characterization of the development of these cells we will set out to identify compounds that are able to activate these natural killer cells. These compounds will be injected in eggs and the killer cell activity in chickens after hatch will be analysed. When enhanced killer cell activity is observed, we will investigate if this is indeed associated with a better protection against viral infections.

Taken together, this project will result in more knowledge on the development of chicken natural killer cells and novel strategies to activate these killer cells.

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Summary
In this project we will investigate if natural killer cells can be used as biomarker of immune system development in chickens, in other words, if enhanced natural killer cell responses are associated with improved immunity.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
4-6
Time period
36 months
Partners