Analysis of chicken intestinal natural killer cells, a major IEL subset during embryonic and early life. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meijerink, Nathalie; van Haarlem, Daphne A.; Velkers, Francisca C.; Stegeman, Arjan J.; Rutten, Victor P.M.G.; Jansen, Christine A.
• Is Part Of: Developmental and comparative immunology. Volume 114(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Broiler chickens -- Innate immunity -- NK cells -- Intraepithelial lymphocytes -- IEL; Immunology -- Periodicals; Developmental immunology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103857
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-305X

Abstract

Abstract: Restrictions on antimicrobials demand alternative strategies to improve broiler health, such as supplying feed additives which stimulate innate immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells. The main objective of this study was to characterize intestinal NK cells in broiler chickens during embryonic and early life and compare these to NK cells in spleen, blood and bone marrow. Also T-cell subsets were determined. The majority of intestinal NK cells expressed IL-2Rα rather than 20E5 and 5C7, and showed low level of activation. Within intestinal NK cells the activation marker CD107 was mostly expressed on IL-2Rα + cells while in spleen and blood 20E5 + NK cells primarily expressed CD107. High percentages of intestinal CD8αα +, CD8αβ + and from 2 weeks onward also gamma delta T cells were found. Taken together, we observed several intestinal NK subsets in broiler chickens. Differences in NK subsets were mostly observed between organs, rather than differences over time. Targeting these intestinal NK subsets may be a strategy to improve immune-mediated resistance in broiler chickens. Highlights: The majority of intestinal NK cells is IL-2Rα + and shows low level of activation. Intestinal NK cells express also express 20E5 + and CD11b/c. Within intestinal NK cells CD107 is mostly expressed on IL-2Rα + cells. In blood and spleen 20E5 + NK cells primarily express CD107. High percentages of gamma delta T cells and CD8αα + T cells were found in intestine.