About this Research Topic
Historically, the chicken has served as the main model for avian immunology research but other bird models have recently emerged to better elucidate species-specific responses to the myriad of challenges pertinent to each group. Additionally, emerging technologies (e.g. –omics, immunometabolism, etc.), and their adaptation to avian research, have afforded opportunities to further understand birds’ immune responses and associated immuno-physiological changes, particularly under stress or disease challenges. Of interest are pathogens infecting a broad spectrum of hosts across domesticated and wild birds yet with differential pathologies and disease status. Further, while much of recent focus has been on the gut microbiome, tissue-specific microbial populations (e.g. ocular, reproductive, etc.) can exhibit distinct fluctuations in response to local infections.
This Research Topic aims to present and highlight the latest discoveries in avian immunology encompassing fundamental characterization of 1) cytokines, receptors, and signaling factors; 2) systemic and local responses under defined models; 3) microbiome fluctuation during challenges and its association with tolerance or resistance to pathogens; and 4) environmental and nutritional factors that directly influence the birds’ abilities to respond to antigenic challenges and defend the host.
Original research, opinion, perspective, review and mini review articles are particularly encouraged.
Keywords: Avian Immunity, Immunometabolism, Mucosal Immunity, Host-pathogen Interactions, Disease Models, Cytokines
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.