Structural Proteins of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus: Role in Immunity and Protection

Abstract
The antigenicity of the Sl, M and N proteins of avian infectious bronchitis virus was compared following immunization of chickens with live and inactivated virus. The N protein was immunodominant antigen inducing cross-reactive antibodies in high titres whereas the Sl glycoprotein induced serotype-specific and cross-reactive antibodies. The M glycoprotein elicited antibodies in low titres and of limited cross-reactivity. Immunization of chickens with the purified N and M proteins did not induce protection against virulent challenge whereas immunization with the Sl glycoprotein prevented replication of nephropathogenic IBV in kidneys but not in tracheas of immunized chickens.

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