Avian Leukosis Viruses

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Solving the complications of oncogenesis caused by retroviruses is achallenging task for veterinary and biomedical scientists. Avian Leukosis viruses(ALVs) are a group of avian oncogenic retroviruses that can cause neoplastic diseasesin chickens. The viral invasion starts due to the interaction between glycoproteins inthe viral envelop and receptor sites of host cells. The pathogenesis of ALVs could beexplained by three theories which include promoter insertion, enhancer activation, andthe presence of oncogenes in their genome. Additionally, these viruses show greatdiversity due to the high mutational rate that enables them to escape from the action ofthe host immune system and antiviral drugs. Therefore, due to the high mortality rate ofchickens, ALVs are responsible for huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Dueto horizontal & vertical transmission and genetic variations, there is no effectivevaccine to prevent infections of ALVs.The aim of this chapter is to summarize various research aspects related to thepathogenesis and transmission of ALVs. It is essential to understand these processes toget further insight into the biology of ALV's. Likewise, to design the control strategiesfor ALV infections, it is invaluable to explore the interactions between ALVs and hostimmunity.