Modulation of chicken intestinal immune gene expression by small cationic peptides as feed additives during the first week posthatch.

ABSTRACT: We have been investigating modulation strategies tailored around the selective stimulation of the host's immune system as an alternative to direct targeting of microbial pathogens by antibiotics. One such approach is the use of a group of small cationic peptides (BT) produced by a Gram-positive soil bacterium, Brevibacillus texasporus. These peptides have immune modulatory properties that enhance both leukocyte functional efficiency and leukocyte proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine mRNA transcription activities in vitro. In addition, when provided as a feed additive for just 4 days posthatch, BT peptides significantly induce a concentration-dependent protection against cecal and extraintestinal colonization by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. In the present studies, we assessed

SUBMITTER: Kogut MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3889598 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature