Abstract
Duck hepatitis A virus 1 (DHAV-1) infection in mature ducks has previously been proposed as a small-animal model for human hepatitis A. However, basic research on the outcome of DHAV-1 infection in mature ducks is limited. Here, we examined the course of viremia, the characteristics of antibody responses, and the profiles of plasma cytokines in mature ducks infected with DHAV-1. During the course of infection, the viremia was detectable soon after infection and persisted for 196 days, however, the ducks presented as clinically asymptomatic. Specific and timely immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA1 responses were elicited. At the same time, extensive inhibition of viral replication was observed with increasing IgG concentration. With respect to pattern-recognition receptors, TLR-7 was mainly involved in triggering the innate defense against the DHAV-1 infection. In addition, plasma immune analytes were measured and were determined to have bidirectional roles in virus clearance. It was concluded that DHAV-1 spreads quickly in blood. The spontaneous clearance of DHAV-1 during asymptomatic infection in mature ducks depends on the cooperation of timely antibody responses and alert innate immune responses. Moreover, the delayed clearance may be associated with a weak interferon-γ-producing CD8+ T cell response. This study allows us to reveal the mechanism of clearance and persistence of DHAV-1 infection in mature ducks. We anticipate that it will provide a basis for future studies focused on defining the nature mechanisms involved in the clearance and persistence of human hepatitis virus.
Highlights
Duck hepatitis A virus 1 (DHAV-1), a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus categorized in the genus Avihepatovirus in the family Picornaviridae, was first reported in Long Island, New York, by Levine and Hofstad in 1945 and it subsequently spread around the world [1, 2]
Duck hepatitis A virus 1 infection in mature ducks has been proposed as an attractive small-animal model for research of human hepatitis A virus (HAV) [8]
This study provides critical detailed virological and immunological information that clarifies the outcome of DHAV-1 infection in mature ducks
Summary
Duck hepatitis A virus 1 (DHAV-1), a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus categorized in the genus Avihepatovirus in the family Picornaviridae, was first reported in Long Island, New York, by Levine and Hofstad in 1945 and it subsequently spread around the world [1, 2]. It is the causative agent of Duck Viral Hepatitis in both young ducklings and adult ducks. Based on pathological research, mature ducks infected with DHAV-1 have been proven as small-animal models for human hepatitis A [8]. Advanced research on virus–host relationships in DHAV-1 infection in mature ducks is especially valuable, which will be beneficial in illuminating the development of human hepatitis
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