Immunopotentiating effect of tuftsin in birds immunosuppressed with infectious bursal virus

摘要

The immunostimulatory effects of tuftsin, a naturally occurring tetrapeptide that facilitates the binding of IgG, was tested in groups of 25 chicks that were immunocompetent or immunosuppressed by experimental infection with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) before vaccination with Newcastle disease virus vaccines prepared from viral strains of varying virulence. A significantly enhanced immune response was achieved in the immunocompetent birds, and a significant reversal of the immunosuppressive effect was seen in the IBDV-infected birds. It is concluded that tuftsin could be useful in maintaining the immune status of birds against specific infections.