Role of γδ T cells in protecting chickens against Salmonella enterica spp. infections

• Applicant: Dr. Angela Berndt
• Subject Area: Veterinary Medical Science
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 434524639

For effective control of Salmonella infections in poultry, detailed knowledge of basic immunological processes in chickens is essential. Infection of chickens with different Salmonella serovars results in a significant increase of different γδ T cell subpopulations in intestinal tissue and blood. Especially an increase in number of CD8αα+ γδ T cells has been observed at inflammatory sites. However, whether these cells play a role in the immune defense against Salmonella infections in chickens remains unknown. Therefore, αβ and γδ T cell knockout as well as wild type chickens will be infected with Salmonella enterica spp., and the spread of the pathogens in the organism and the immune response of the animals will be investigated comparatively. Special attention will be directed to γδ T cells and their subpopulations as well as to cell-cell interactions in the intestines of the animals. Complementary, in vitro experiments with Salmonella-infected lymphocytes/macrophage co-cultures will provide more detailed insights into the phenotypic and functional flexibility of γδ T cells and the molecular basis of cellular interactions within the immune system of birds. Obtained knowledge will help to improve control of this zoonotic pathogen in poultry production. The individual research projects within FOR5130 benefit from the collaborations among each other and provide a better insight into the immune system of chickens in relation to important pathogens.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5130: ImmunoChick- Unravelling the avian immune response in the context of infection
• Co-Investigator: Privatdozent Dr. Ulrich Methner