More MHC-like Class I Y mRNA Detected in Relatively Resistant Fayoumis than Susceptible Leghorns

The inbred chicken lines Fayoumi and Leghorn have been shown to be relatively resistant and susceptible, respectively, to Newcastle disease virus (NDV). In this experiment we detected higher gene expression levels of MHC-like class I Y (MHCIY) in the Fayoumi trachea, lung, and Harderian gland of NDV challenged and nonchallenged birds across multiple time points. MHC region is important to the immune system and is often associated with resistance to pathogens. This gene may be associated with the Fayoumis’ resistant phenotype.