Innate Immune Responses
Juul-Madsen HR., Viertlböeck B., Härtle S., Smith AL., Göbel TW.
The innate immune responses in the chicken are a key to understanding host/pathogen interactions. In this short overview, we will provide insights into the innate immune system of chickens. In particular, we will discuss the humoral components of the innate immune system, including acute-phase proteins and the complement system. NK cells and heterophils and their receptors will be described as part of the cellular innate immune system, whereas other cell types belonging to the innate system will be dealt with in separate chapters. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.