DefinePK

Abstract

Mycobacterial lipids have strong immunomodulatory effects which can be exploited for vaccine development. In this Study, we associated the injection of Mycobacterium Cell Wall Fraction (MCWF) with vaccination against Avian Influenza H9N2 by using a commercial inactivated oil emulsion vaccine in Broiler chicken and assessed the immune response. High levels of mucosal hemagglutinin inhibitory antibodies were detected in groups immunized with MCWF and AI vaccine, compared to group vaccinated with AI vaccine alone. MCWF induced a longer and an increased local protection in both respiratory and intestinal tracts. Serum levels of antibodies were not significantly different among groups. Cytokines of humoral and cell mediated immunity were also assessed. MCWF influences the balance Th1/Th2, by increasing Th2 cytokines that downregulate the cellular immune response and promote innate immune response, and inducing the Th1/Th2 network. Our results show that MCWF has a potential to be used as adjuvant in AI vaccines by inducing a robust, broad and long lasting protective immune responses in broiler chickens.