Avian Immunology Laboratory
We conduct research to understand the innate immunity with the main aim to search for novel adjuvants and to develop effective vaccines against infectious diseases of poultry. We have explored the immunomodulatory properties of toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists with various vaccines against Newcastle disease, Avian infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease. Currently, we focus on developing novel synthetic TLR agonists, adjuvant delivery systems to improve the efficacy of poultry vaccines.
Thematic area of lab
Innate immunity; Toll-like receptors; Adjuvants; Vaccine and diagnostics; Vaccine delivery system; Poultry diseases
Infrastructure and facility in lab
- ELISA Reader
- CO2 Incubator
- Refrigerated microcentrifuge
- Cell culture facilities
Major Achievement of Lab
- Developed a recombinant penton protein based indirect ELISA for the detection antibodies against Egg-drop-syndrome (EDS76) in chicken
- Demonstrated the synergistic interaction of LPS (TLR4 agonist) and resiquimod (TLR7 agonist) in chicken (both in vitro and in vivo conditions)
- Resiquimod was found to induce Th1 as well as Th2 immune responses in chicken
- Adjuvant potential of resiquimod (R-848) with inactivated NDV vaccine was demonstrated in SPF chicken
- Resiquimod was proven to have prophylactic potency against vvIBDV challenge in chicken.
- Resiquimod was found to enhance antigen specific systemic as well as mucosal immunity against avian infectious bronchitis in chicken
- Poly I:C alone and its combination with Pam3CSK4 were found to significantly reduce the immunosuppression when used with an intermediate plus IBDV vaccine in chicken
List of projects going on in lab
- Nanodelivery and evaluation of adjuvant effect of synthetic TLR4 and TLR7 agonists combination in chicken ( CRG/2021/005467 )
Name and contact details of Lab in-charge
- Lab name: Avian Immunology laboratory
Lab in-charge: Dr R. Saravanan
Designation: Senior Scientist
Email: dearsaromib@yahoo.com, r.saravanan@icar.gov.in
Telephone: +91-581-2302692
Molecular Immunology Laboratory
The theme of my research is to understand the concept of trained immunity in animals. Contrary to the adaptive immune response, the fast induction and breadth of innate memory (trained immunity) presents a prime mechanism to reduce disease burden, particularly in the context of the known periods of susceptibility. Our focus is to identify a potent ligand for training the innate immune cells and to evaluate the role of innate training in enhancing the vaccine-mediated immune responses in chickens.
Thematic area of lab
Immunomodulation, Immunotherapy, Immunodiagnosis
Infrastructure and facility in lab
- Thermocycler
- Gel-Doc
- CO2 Incubator
- ELISA Reader
- Inverted Microscope
- Cell culture facilities
Major Achievement of Lab
- Canine parvovirus specific neutralizing avian egg-yolk derived IgY antibodies have been developed.
- Host restriction of Salmonella Gallinarum to chicken is related to its capacity to interfere the function of dendritic cells was established.
- Role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in modulation of chicken dendritic cell function was established.
- Novel aptamers specific to canine parvovirus have been identified.
List of projects going on in lab
- Project title: Assessing the role of trained immunity in augmentation of vaccine mediated immune response in chickens. Duration: 2 years; October 2022 to September 2024, Institute funded, P.I : Dr. M K Singh.
Name and contact details of Lab in-charge
- Dr M K Singh 8218625971
EPBX = 2018 drmithileshsingh@yahoo.com;
mithilesh.singh@icar.gov.in