Expression Profiles of IFN- γ, IL-2 and IL-1β Genes in Village Chickens Naturally Infected with Chicken Anaemia Virus

The cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-1β play crucial roles in the immune response against viral infections in chickens. Conventional PCR was conducted using primers that can specifically detect chicken anaemia virus (CAV). The expression levels of these cytokines in village poultry that were infected with CAV was investigated using Reverse Transcriptase Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Tissue samples (thymus, liver, bursa of Fabricius and spleen) were collected from village poultry in Nigeria and pooled, and the tissues from each bird were pooled and subsequently subjected to RT-qPCR to determine the expression levels of IFN- γ, IL-2 and IL-1β genes. The result showed an up-regulation of these cytokine genes. Interferon gamma helps in establishing antiviral state in chickens, while IL-2 and IL-1β enhance T cell responses and inflammatory responses, respectively. In viral infections, these cytokines work together to orchestrate an effective immune response. Therefore, understanding the interplay of these cytokines is important for developing strategies that will enhance immune response in chickens particularly against viral infections.