Transcriptome profile in bursa of Fabricius reveals potential mode for stress-influenced immune function in chickens

The molecular mechanisms underlying stress-influenced immune function are not clear. Chicken stress models can be established effectively by feeding chickens corticosterone hormone. The bursa of Fabricius is a unique central immune organ of birds. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to investigate differences in the expression profiles of immune-related genes and associated pathways in the bursa of Fabricius to clarify molecular mechanisms. The aim of this study was to broaden the understanding of the stress-influenced immune function in chickens.