We are concluded that a new chromosomal region with effects on the response to Mareks disease in chickens was characterized in this study. Within this region, the SNPs in the gallinacin candidate genes could potentially be used in a marker assisted selection program to enhance the response to Mareks disease. Analysis of the gallinacin genes in the protective pathways of disease resistance has also opened the possibilities for therapeutic strategies using endogenous antimicrobial peptides.