Abouzid K, Ndeboko B, Durantel S, Jamard C, Zoulim F, Buronfosse T, Cova L.
Vaccine. 2005 Sep 27; [Epub ahead of print]
INSERM Unit 271, 151 Cours Albert Thomas, 69003 Lyon, France.
Abstract
We propose a method of avian antibodies production based on DNA immunization of laying ducks with a plasmid encoding specified antigen, followed by egg collection and purification of egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY). We have validated this approach in the Duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) model.
We report here that following immunization of female ducks with plasmids encoding DHBV envelope proteins, large amounts (at least 50mg/egg) of specific antibodies can be obtained from eggs of these ducks. Interestingly, the comparison of different plasmid constructs showed the important differences in their efficacy of specific IgY antibodies induction in the sera and eggs of immunized ducks. | 
