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Avian - 2003
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| Project Contact: | Vivek Kapur | Funding: | $30,000 |
| Sagar Goyal |
District:
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Unknown |
| • Background • Objectives • Mid-Year Progress Report • |
Turkeys and other avian species are highly susceptible to the development of respiratory infections, such as Avian Pneumovirus (APV), which cause most of the economic loss associated with poultry production worldwide. Despite considerable research, we still lack basic understanding of the host molecular responses to viral infections. Understanding the host molecular responses induced by viral infection is fundamental to developing antiviral agents and efficient strategies for controling these diseases.
Our study seeks to model and understand the molecular interactions of major avian respiratory pathogens with the local (mucosal) immune system of turkeys. All of the proposed methods and laboratory protocols have already been standardized and the instrumentation necessary for successful achievement of our goals is in place.
Preliminary studies have already identified several interesting host systemic immune responses stimulated by APV infection. This study should further our understanding of the host-pathogen interactions, and help identify potential ways to enhance vaccine efficacy. It should also enable future creation of novel approaches for improving control of respiratory infections, including assisting the genetic improvement of birds to reduce susceptibility to respiratory pathogens.
Long-term plan is to apply knowledge of the molecular responses in turkeys with respiratory infections, to the design and development of improved strategies to control those diseases. The immediate objective is to test the hypothesis that infection of turkeys with viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens triggers host molecular responses in local lymphoid tissues leading to the onset of local and systemic immune reactions that both respond to the current infection and generate protective immunity against future infections.
This project will specifically aim to:
A summary of Avian Respiratory Disease Research Progress (1998-2001) is available. See also the project topic page for 2002.