Effect of human adenovirus on antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in chickens

The influence of human adenovirus type 6 on antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in chickens has been investigated. The cytotoxic effect of peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells of chickens was studied on sheep red blood cells (SRBC) coated with chicken anti-SRBC serum. Cytotoxicity was estimated using a ⁵¹Cr release assay system. A single intravenous injection of the virus enhanced ADCC. ADCC was enhanced 14 to 24 hr after the virus injection, but then decreased and the preinjection level was reached after 36 hr. The capacity for virus-augmented activity was not removed with phagocytic cell depletion. The possible role of interferon induced by the virus in chickens in augmenting ADCC is discussed.