Comprehensive Analysis of Blood Proteome Response to Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chicken

ABSTRACT: Necrotic enteritis (NE) in broiler chickens, caused by the overgrowth of toxin-producing strains of Clostridium (C.) perfringens, results in the development of necrotic lesions, compromised intestinal health, and significant economic losses in poultry production. This study aims to analyze the blood proteome of broiler chickens affected by NE, providing insights into the host's response to the infection. Using MS/MS-based proteomics, blood plasma samples from broilers with necrotic lesions of different severity were analyzed and compared to healthy controls. A total of 412 proteins were identified, with 63 showing significant differences and (for some of those) correlating with disease severity. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that proteins affected by NE were predominantly associated with the immune and signaling processes and extracellular matrix (ECM) structures. Notably, regulated proteins were significantly involved in bioprocesses related to complement activation, acute phase reaction, proteolysis and humoral immune response. The findings suggest that the changes in plasma proteins in response to NE are driven by the host's intensified efforts to counteract the infection, demonstrating a.o. a notable reduction in peptides from ECM-related proteins in the blood of NE-affected birds. Overall, proteomics results underscored the attempts of the host to manage tissue damage and inflammation, indicating a coordinated effort to mitigate the pathogenic impact of C. perfringens. This study provides a deeper understanding of the host-pathogen interactions and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Gallus Gallus (chicken)

TISSUE(S): Blood Plasma

DISEASE(S): Acute Enteritis

SUBMITTER: Svitlana Tretiak  

LAB HEAD: Francis Impens

PROVIDER: PXD054172 | Pride | 2025-05-07

REPOSITORIES: Pride