Transcriptome analysis of the effects of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide on the lymphocyte homing in Muscovy duck reovirus-infected ducklings

Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP) is a bioactive substance present in the fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus. Previously we have shown that HEP can repair the intestinal injury caused by Muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV) infection in Muscovy ducklings. To examine the effect of HEP on intestine mucosal MDRV immunity and explore its possible mechanisms, an MDRV contact-infection model in the Muscovy ducklings was established. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was then performed to investigate the mechanism of action of HEP on intestine mucosal MDRV immunity. During the infection, the expression levels of genes involved in cellular activities (protein translation and binding, cytokine interaction, and adhesion molecules activities) in the infected ducklings were increased. The expression levels of adhesion molecules (α4β7, LFA-1) and chemotaxis cytokine receptors (CCR7, CCR9, and CCR10) were also significantly upregulated. Following HEP treatment, cellular activities and cytokines upregulated to various degrees play crucial roles in the immune defenses and antiviral activities of Muscovy ducklings. ELISA analysis results were consistent with the results of the transcriptome analysis. Overall, our results provide a basis for further studying the underlying mechanisms of HEP in regulating mucosal immunity and for the clinical application of HEP in controlling MDRV infection in the Muscovy duck industry.