Avian Innate and Adaptive Immune Components: A Comprehensive Review

Jalil Mehrzad; Sina  Shojaei; Fatemeh keivan; Diba  Forouzanpour; Helia  Sepahvand; Alireza  Kordi; Pouya Hooshmand

doi:10.61838/kman.jpsad.2.3.7

Authors

Jalil Mehrzad Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8174-5431
Sina Shojaei Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7310-2548
Fatemeh keivan Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6051-3682
Diba Forouzanpour Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9964-6517
Helia Sepahvand Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7925-924X
Alireza Kordi Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2575-2792
Pouya Hooshmand Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1184-8619

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpsad.2.3.7

Keywords:

Avian Immunity, Bursa of Fabricius, Dendritic cells, Harderian gland, Heterophils, Lymphocytes, Toll-like receptors

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive classical overview of the avian immune system, highlighting its unique components and functions. Although fundamentally similar to mammals, the avian immune system possesses distinct features in its tissues, cells, molecules, and genes. The study elaborates on the innate and adaptive immune components and critical functions in birds, detailing and artistically drawing the various organs such as the Bursa of Fabricius, thymus, spleen, and Harderian gland and cells involved in immunity. It discusses the role of innate immune cells and molecules along with the significance of B-and T lymphocytes immunoglobulins, antigen-presenting cells (APCs), especially macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) and their related cytokines, including interleukins (ILs), emphasizing their crucial role in adaptive immunity especially activating various T lymphocytes. The article also underscores the complexity and efficiency of the avian immune system in combating pathogens and highlights the evolutionary adaptations that distinguish those from mammalian immune systems. This knowledge contributes to a better understanding of avian immunology and should go beyond this classical immune system, which is vital for improving disease management and vaccination strategies in birds.