Abdul-Careem, FaizalMohamed Abdul Cader, Mohamed Sarjoon2016-10-062016-10-0620162016Mohamed Abdul Cader, M. S. (2016). Cytosine-guanosine deoxynucleotides (CpG DNA)-mediated Antiviral Response Against Avian Influenza Virus Infection (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/25512http://hdl.handle.net/11023/3411Cytosine-guanosine deoxynucleotides (CpG DNA) can be used for the stimulation of toll-like receptor (TLR)21 signaling pathway in avian species, that ultimately leads to upregulation of gene transcription for pro-inflammatory molecules including nitric oxide (NO) and recruitment of innate immune cells. These innate immune mediators, play various roles in the innate immune system against viruses that infect mammals and avian species. The objective of the study was to determine the antiviral effect of NO, produced in response to in ovo delivery of CpG DNA, against H4N6 low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) infection in the avian respiratory system. First, we observed that when CpG DNA is delivered at embryo day (ED)18 in ovo and subsequently challenged with H4N6 LPAIV at ED19 pre-hatch and day 1 post-hatch, CpG DNA reduces H4N6 LPAIV replication in the respiratory tract. Second, we observed that CpG DNA-mediated H4N6 LPAIV inhibition was attributable to NO production. Third, we observed that the antiviral response elicited by in ovo CpG DNA delivery is also associated with macrophage recruitment in the lungs. Finally, we showed that NO originated from macrophages is capable of eliciting antiviral response against H4N6 LPAIV infection in a dose-dependent manner. Altogether, CpG DNA-mediated antiviral response against H4N6 LPAIV infection is attributable to increased macrophage numbers in the lungs and elevated NO production originated from macrophages. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of CpG DNA-mediated antiviral response, particularly against H4N6 LPAIV infection in avian species.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.ImmunologyIn ovo, avian influenza virus, CpG DNA, nitric oxide, TLR21master thesis10.11575/PRISM/25512