Genome-Wide Gene Expression Analysis Identifies the Proto-oncogene Tyrosine-Protein Kinase Src as a Crucial Virulence Determinant of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Chicken Cells

Li, Hai; Wang, Fengjie; Han, Zongxi; Gao, Qi; Li, Huixin; Shao, Yuhao; Sun, Nana; Liu, Shengwang

Vaccination using live virus is the primary method by which ILT is prevented (6) . However, latent infections can still lead to outbreaks when the host immune system is compromised, such as under stress and at the onset of egg laying (13, 14, 61, 62) . Therefore, novel strategies that are independent of host immunity are required to successfully control ILT. For example, the administration of therapeutic agents that target the key determinants and signaling pathways that govern the interaction between ILTV and the host at the onset of infection could reduce the extensive use of live virus-based vaccines. Here, we have uncovered a key determinant of avian ILTV infection, thereby advancing our understanding of the ILTV-host interaction. Our results also support the notion that manipulating the host molecular response can alter the biological outcomes of ILTV infection.