Major histocompatibility complex recombinant R13 antibody response against bovine red blood cells1

• Published in: Poultry science 2020-10, Vol.99 (10), p.4804-4808
• Main Authors: Wilkinson, N.G., Kopulos, R.T., Yates, L.M., Briles, W.E., Taylor, R.L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: antibody; immunity; Immunology, Health and Disease; MHC; recombination
• ISSN: 0032-5791; 1525-3171
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.06.069

Recombination within the chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has enabled more precise identification of genes controlling immune responses. Chicken MHC genes include BF, MHC class I; BL, MHC class II; and BG, MHC class IV that are closely linked on chromosome 16. A new recombination occurred during the 10th backcross generation to develop congenic lines on the inbred Line UCD 003 (B17B17) background. Recombinant R13 (BF17-BG23) was found in a single male chick from the Line 003.R1 (BF24-BG23) backcross. An additional backcross of this male to Line UCD 003 females increased the number of R13 individuals. Two trials tested this new recombinant for antibody production against the T cell–dependent antigen, bovine red blood cells. Fifty-one progeny segregating for R13R13 (n = 10), R13B17 (n = 26), and B17B17 (n = 15) genotypes were produced by a single R13B17 male mated to 5 R13B17 dams. One milliliter of 2.5% bovine red blood cell was injected intravenously into all genotypes at 4 and 11 wk of age to stimulate primary and secondary immune responses, respectively. Blood samples were collected 7 d after injection. Serum total and mercaptoethanol-resistant antibodies against bovine red blood cell were measured by microtiter methods. The least squares ANOVA used to evaluate all antibody titers included trial and B genotype as main effects. Significant means were separated by Fisher's protected least significant difference at P