Prospects and challenges of using chicken cytokines in disease prevention

Abstract

Cytokines are soluble proteins secreted by a broad range of cell types that play pivotal roles in the regulation of inflammation and the immune response. Recent advances in avian genetics and immunology have explored the application of exogenous avian cytokines against infectious agents in poultry medicine. To use exogenous cytokines as novel therapeutics or as vaccine adjuvants in disease prevention, it is necessary to gain a comprehensive knowledge of their suitability as therapeutics, their direct effects on infection resistance, and the major barriers against their use. This review summarizes current knowledge on the functions and uses of chicken cytokines in disease prevention, the major obstacles hindering their application, and possible solutions that may circumvent these problems and ensure maximum efficiency.