Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Gene and Newcastle Disease Virus Titre and Body Weight in Leung Hang Khao Chickens

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II gene on resistance to Newcastle disease virus and body weight of the Thai indigenous chicken, Leung Hang Khao (Gallus gallus domesticus). Blood samples were collected for single nucleotide polymorphism analysis from 485 chickens. Polymerase chain reaction sequencing was used to classify single nucleotide polymorphisms of class II MHC. Body weights were measured at the ages of 3, 4, 5, and 7 months. Titres of Newcastle disease virus at 2 weeks to 7 months were determined and the correlation between body weight and titre was analysed. The association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and body weight and titre were analysed by a generalized linear model. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified: C125T, A126T, C209G, C242T, A243T, C244T, and A254T. Significant correlations between log titre and body weight were found at 2 and 4 weeks. Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and titre were found for C209G and A254T, and between all single nucleotide polymorphisms (except A243T) and body weight. The results showed that class II MHC is associated with both titre of Newcastle disease virus and body weight in Leung Hang Khao chickens. This is of concern because improved growth traits are the main goal of breeding selection. Moreover, the results suggested that MHC has a pleiotropic effect on the titre and growth performance. This mechanism should be investigated in a future study.

Major histocompatibility complex B variability in Korean native chicken breeds

“…The major histocompatibility complex B ( MHC-B ) region of the chicken is an important cluster of genes in which the diversity is maintained by balancing selection ( Kaufman et al., 1999a , b ; Miller and Taylor, 2016 ; Minias et al., 2018 ). Genes in this region are functionally linked with host immunity along with other biological and production traits ( Lundén et al., 1993 ; Shiina et al., 2004 ; Molee et al., 2016 ). It is well known that MHC-B variation has an impact on specific disease resistance to several, highly pathogenic viral and bacterial diseases in poultry ( Shiina et al., 2007 ; Jin et al., 2010 ; Miller and Taylor, 2016 ) as well as internal and external parasites ( Owen et al., 2008 ; Schou et al., 2010 ).…”

Comparison of major histocompatibility complex‐B variability in Sri Lankan indigenous chickens with five global chicken populations using MHC‐B SNP panel

“…1993; Miller & Taylor 2016; Molee et␣al . 2016). According to multiple reports, specific standard MHC serological haplotypes support a direct relationship with disease resistance to several highly pathogenic viral and bacterial diseases in poultry (Lamont et␣al .…”

“…The major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-B region of the chicken is an important cluster of genes that are functionally linked with host immunity and other biological and production traits (Lund en et al 1993;Miller & Taylor 2016;Molee et al 2016). According to multiple reports, specific standard MHC serological haplotypes support a direct relationship with disease resistance to several highly pathogenic viral and bacterial diseases in poultry (Lamont et al 1987;Lamont 1998;Jin et al 2010), as well as to internal and external parasites (Owen et al 2008;Schou et al 2010).…”

Genotype frequency distributions of 28 SNP markers in two commercial lines and five Chinese native chicken populations

“…Chinese indigenous chickens possess a series of desirable meat qualities including greater tenderness and preferred flavors that are often favored by consumers [10,11]. Besides, they are relatively disease-resistant and well-adapted to the harsh environments [12,13]. However, unlike commercial chicken breeds that have undergone numerous generations of intense artificial selection, native chicken breeds have a relatively slow growth rate and low egg production [14].…”