Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology
Regular ArticleT Cells in Regenerating Feathers of Smyth Line Chickens with Vitiligo
Abstract
Smyth line (SL) chickens exhibit a spontaneous, autoimmune, depigmentation (SL vitiligo, SLV) in regenerating feather tissue due to the death of pigment cells (melanocytes). It was the purpose of this study to characterize mononuclear leukocytes which infiltrate the feather as SLV develops. Frozen sections of regenerating feathers from SL and control chickens were labeled with a panel of mAbs specific for chicken mononuclear leukocytes. SL chickens were found to have significantly greater numbers of T cells in the feather pulp prior to, and throughout, the development of SLV. Initially, both SL and control chickens had a CD4/CD8 ratio near 1.0 in their feather pulp. Following the onset of SLV, the CD4/CD8 ratio in SL chickens dropped below 0.4. Throughout the development of SLV, SL chickens had greater proportions of T cells with α/β T cell receptors than controls. Histological evidence strongly supports an important role for T cells in the pathology of SLV.
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Animal models unraveling the complexity of vitiligo pathogenesis
2024, Autoimmunity ReviewsVitiligo is a chronic skin condition marked by the gradual loss of pigmentation, leading to the emergence of white or depigmented patches on the skin. The exact cause of vitiligo remains not entirely understood, although it is thought to involve a blend of genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors. While there is currently no definitive cure for vitiligo, diverse treatments exist that may assist in managing the condition and fostering repigmentation in specific instances. Animal models play a pivotal role in comprehending the intricate mechanisms that underlie vitiligo, providing valuable insights into the progression and onset of the disease, as well as potential therapeutic interventions. Although induced experimental models lack the nuanced characteristics observed in natural experimental models, relying solely on a single animal model might not fully capture the intricate pathogenesis of vitiligo. Different animal models simulate specific aspects of human vitiligo pathogenesis to varying degrees. This review extensively explores the array of animal models utilized in vitiligo research, shedding light on their respective advantages, disadvantages, and applications.
Autoimmune diseases of poultry
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CD4+ T cells dominate the leukocyte infiltration response initiated by intra-dermal injection of phytohemagglutinin into growing feathers in chickens
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The growing feather as a dermal test site: Comparison of leukocyte profiles during the response to Mycobacterium butyricum in growing feathers, wattles, and wing webs
2016, Poultry ScienceCitation Excerpt :The binding of the ABC reagent to the detection antibody was visualized by incubation of tissue sections with DAB substrate that had been charged with 3% hydrogen peroxide resulting in the formation of a reddish-brown precipitate at the site of primary antibody binding. The tissues were counterstained with Methyl Greene dye (Erf et al., 1995). The tissues were examined using an Olympus BX50 light microscope equipped with a CoolSNAP Pro digital camera and computer connection (Meyer Instruments, Houston, TX) at 100x magnification.
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Animal models of vitiligo: Matching the model to the question
2014, Dermatologica SinicaVitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin that is characterized by patchy depigmentation (i.e., white spots) and results from the loss of melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells. The pathogenesis of human vitiligo consists of an interaction between intrinsic melanocyte defects, environmental factors, and autoimmune mechanisms that target these cells for destruction. Human clinical and translational studies have outlined pathways that are important in human disease; however, combining human correlative studies with mechanistic studies in representative preclinical animal models is a powerful approach to study disease pathogenesis and develop new treatments. Because of the complex pathogenesis of vitiligo, it is unlikely that any one single animal model will adequately reflect all factors implicated in the initiation, progression, and maintenance of the disease. Therefore, vitiligo is best modeled by multiple systems—each with its strengths and weaknesses—that allow insight into specific components of vitiligo pathogenesis. In this paper, we describe some of the available animal models that have been developed to study vitiligo.
Autoimmune Diseases of Poultry
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