#Japan #Hiroshima #Poultry Science #Trained Immunity #Hiroshima University

Introduction

Maintaining the health of poultry is essential for sustainable food production. Recent advancements in immunology have illuminated a promising approach: trained immunity. This innovative concept suggests that we can bolster the innate immune system of chickens, protecting them against infectious diseases more effectively than traditional methods of vaccination alone.

Understanding Trained Immunity

Trained immunity refers to a form of long-lasting enhanced immune protection following an initial exposure to a pathogen or vaccine. Unlike the adaptive immune system, which relies on memory T and B cells to provide specific and long-term responses, trained immunity involves epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming of innate immune cells. This results in a non-specific, yet potent, enhanced immune response upon subsequent infections.

The Role of Vaccines and Supplements

A recent review published in The Journal of Poultry Science by researchers from Hiroshima University discusses the impacts of vaccination and dietary supplements on trained immunity in chickens. Key findings suggest that the Newcastle disease vaccine, commonly used in poultry farms, not only triggers adaptive immune responses but also enhances the innate immune system by upregulating specific toll-like receptors (TLR7 and TLR21). These receptors are crucial for the innate immune cells to recognize and respond to a broad array of pathogens, thereby improving chickens' overall resistance to infections.

In addition to vaccines, the researchers explored the benefits of dietary supplementation with β-glucans, which are known to activate and support the functionality of innate immune cells. Such supplementation has been demonstrated to balance cytokine and chemokine levels in the gut, fostering a robust immune environment.

Future Directions

While these findings are promising, the authors highlight the need for further investigation into the lasting effects of trained immunity in poultry. The identification of reliable markers, such as specific histone modifications and metabolic changes within immune cells, will be critical for developing more effective vaccines and feed additives. Professor Yukinori Yoshimura, a leading researcher in this field, emphasizes that improving both adaptive and innate immunity will likely enhance the overall health and productivity of poultry farms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the research led by Hiroshima University provides insights into trained immunity as a novel strategy for poultry disease prevention. By enhancing both the adaptive and innate immune responses, there's potential not only to protect chickens from widespread diseases but also to contribute to the sustainability of the poultry industry. As investigations continue, it is an exciting time for avian immunology and animal health.

References

• - Title of original paper: Innate Immune Training in Chickens for Improved Defense against Pathogens: A Review
• - Journal: The Journal of Poultry Science
• - DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.2024008

By weaving these discoveries into current practices, the poultry industry may soon see a transformation in how we approach disease management and improve flock resilience.