Recombinant plant monoclonal antibodies for preventive immunotherapy of poultry againts coccidiosis (WPB.5112)

Consumers become repulsive to the continuous use of antibiotics and other drugs used in animal production. In addition, pathogen resistance against these compounds is frequently observed which is a serious threat for human healthcare. There is an urgent need for alternatives which, preferably, are based on natural protection mechanisms. This is offered by the immune system using mucosal passive immunisation. Antibodies administered in animal feed can directly and in case of infection systemically protect animals.

The objective of this project is the expression of antibodies in animal feed plants as means to passively immunise poultry against coccidiosis, an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria

Protective antibodies will be expressed in seeds of wheat and maize to be used as animal feed. The antibodies will inhibit infection of intestinal epithelia by Eimeria sporozoites and oocyst production, thus, blocking transmission of the disease. Chicken secretory IgA molecules will be expressed. IgA is naturally present in the mucosa and is a major component of the mucosal immune system. Mucosal epithelia of the body, including the lining of the digestive, respiratory and urogenital tracts, comprise an enormous surface permanently exposed to attack by exogenous pathogens. IgA binds to invading pathogens. Specialised epithelial cells subsequently congest the formed immune complex and present it to the 'immune system'. This process results in a systemic immune response. Hence, upon infection by Eimeria the exogenously applied secretory IgA antibodies will aid in building up systemic immunity.

Resultaten van het onderzoek