Immunoglobulin Y for Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications in Infectious Diseases.

Lucia Lee,Daria Mochly-Rosen,Michael Wallach,Kate Samardzic,Lyn R Frumkin

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.696003

Abstract

Antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasitic drugs and vaccines are essential to maintaining the health of humans and animals. Yet, their production can be slow and expensive, and efficacy lost once pathogens mount resistance. Chicken immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is a highly conserved homolog of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) that has shown benefits and a favorable safety profile, primarily in animal models of human infectious diseases. IgY is fast-acting, easy to produce, and low cost. IgY antibodies can readily be generated in large quantities with minimal environmental harm or infrastructure investment by using egg-laying hens. We summarize a variety of IgY uses, focusing on their potential for the detection, prevention, and treatment of human and animal infections.

Highlights

Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is the main class of serum antibodies found in birds, amphibians, and reptiles [1]
In rat models challenged with P. intermedia on gingivae, immunoglobulin Y (IgY) anti-P. intermedia treatment protected against gingivitis by decreasing gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, white blood cell counts, and local inflammation typically associated with periodontal disease [180]
Because of this advantage conferred by IgY’s structure, the use of IgY antibodies in immunoassays may result in less background noise, fewer false positives, and decreased aggregation of antibodies, which are common issues observed with both monoclonal and polyclonal mammalian antibodies

Summary

Introduction

Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is the main class of serum antibodies found in birds, amphibians, and reptiles [1]. IgY developed against various influenza strains was effective in neutralizing the virus and protecting against infection. Similar results were observed using IgY developed against inactivated H3N2, H5N1, and influenza B viruses; these neutralized the virus in vitro and protected challenged mice when administered intranasally at [42,43,44].

Results

Conclusion