Novel Insights into Immunity, Diagnosis, and Vaccination of Avian Leukosis

Avian leukosis virus (ALV) is an oncogenic retrovirus that has caused significant damage to the poultry industry worldwide. Despite extensive research on this virus, its presence in certain parts of the world continues to attract researchers' attention. It appears that advancements in laboratory techniques toward a better understanding of the immune system's interaction with this virus and the diagnosis of the virus itself can contribute to more effective measures against it. Chickens can acquire ALV infections through natural exposure, developing virus-neutralizing antibodies that restrict viral load but have limited impact on tumor development. ALV has evolved strategies to evade the host's innate immune response, such as targeting cellular proteins involved in signaling pathways like the interferon response, which is crucial for initial antiviral defense. Recent advances in viral detection techniques, including monoclonal antibodies, proteomic analysis, and recombinase-aided amplification, have improved diagnosis and surveillance of emerging avian leukosis virus strains. The present review study has collected up-to-date information on this disease's immunity, diagnosis, and vaccination methods, aiming to provide insights for combating the virus.