Antibacterial proteins in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Harnessing antimicrobial peptides in endodontics

Endodontic therapy includes various procedures such as vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment and retreatment, surgical endodontic treatment and regenerative endodontic procedures. Disinfection and tissue repair are crucial for the success of these therapies, necessitating the development of therapeutics that can effectively target microbiota, eliminate biofilms, modulate inflammation and promote tissue repair. However, no current endodontic agents can achieve these goals. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are sequences of amino acids, have gained attention due to their unique advantages, including reduced susceptibility to drug resistance, broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and the ability to modulate the immune response of the organism effectively. This review systematically discusses the structure, mechanisms of action, novel designs and limitations of AMPs. Additionally, it highlights the efforts made by researchers to overcome peptide shortcomings and emphasizes the potential applications of AMPs in endodontic treatments.

Antibacterial Activity of Rainbow Trout Plasma: In Vitro Assays and Proteomic Analysis

The objective of this study was to investigate the bactericidal activity of blood plasma from cultured rainbow trout obtained from two different fish farms. Plasma from trout naturally infected with the bacterial pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum was found to inhibit the growth of Aeromonas hydrophila in vitro. Incubation of A. hydrophila in bacteriostatic trout plasma resulted in agglutination and growth retardation, without causing massive damage to the cell membrane. The proteome of the plasma with high antimicrobial activity revealed an abundance of high-density apolipoproteins, some isoforms of immunoglobulins, complement components C1q and C4, coagulation factors, lectins, periostin, and hemoglobin. Analysis of trout proteins retained on A. hydrophila cells revealed the presence of fish immunoglobulins, lectins, and complement components on bacteria whose growth was inhibited, although the native membrane attack complex of immunised trout plasma did not assemble effectively, resulting in a weak bactericidal effect. Furthermore, this study examined the bacterial response to trout plasma and suggested that the protein synthesis pathway was the target of antimicrobial proteins from fish blood. Taken together, these findings illustrate the advantages of the affinity approach for understanding the role of plasma proteins in host defence against pathogens.

Assessment of the effect of long-term exposure to microplastics and depuration period in Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758: Liver and blood biomarkers

The constant increase in plastic pollution has attracted great attention in recent years due to its potential detrimental effects on organisms and ecosystems. While the consequences of ingestion of large plastic litter are mostly understood, the impacts resulting from a long-term exposure and a recovery period of microplastics (MPs) are still limited. The aims were to monitor oxidative stress, detoxification and inflammatory biomarkers in liver, plasma and erythrocytes of Sparus aurata exposed during 90 days to low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-MPs enriched diet (10% by weight) followed by 30 days of depuration. Exposure to LDPE-MPs progressively activates the antioxidant and detoxification system and induces an inflammatory response in liver and plasma, whereas no significant changes were observed in erythrocytes. The plasma activities of catalase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as maker of lipid peroxidation significantly increased after exposure to LDPE-MPs for 90 days compared to the control group. The activities of all antioxidant enzymes - catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase-, the detoxification enzyme glutathione s-transferase, MPO, the production of reactive oxygen species and the levels of MDA were also significantly increased in liver after MPs exposure. Additionally, all these biomarkers tended to recover during the depuration period, most of them reaching similar levels to those of the control group. In conclusion, the ingestion of a diet containing LDPE-MPs for 90 days induced a progressive increase in oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in liver and plasma of S. aurata but not in erythrocytes, which tended to regain control values when not exposed to MPs for 30 days. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the toxic effects of MPs in S. aurata and highlights the usefulness of plasma that can be obtained in a minimally invasive way to monitor these effects.

Advances in salmonid fish immunology: A review of methods and techniques for lymphoid tissue and peripheral blood leucocyte isolation and application

Evaluating studies over the past almost 40 years, this review outlines the current knowledge and research gaps in the use of isolated leucocytes in salmonid immunology understanding. This contribution focuses on the techniques used to isolate salmonid immune cells and popular immunological assays. The paper also analyses the use of leucocytes to demonstrate immunomodulation following dietary manipulation, exposure to physical and chemical stressors, effects of pathogens and parasites, vaccine design and application strategies assessment. We also present findings on development of fish immune cell lines and their potential uses in aquaculture immunology. The review recovered 114 studies, where discontinuous density gradient centrifugation (DDGC) with Percoll density gradient was the most popular leucocyte isolation method. Fish head kidney (HK) and peripheral blood (PB) were the main sources of leucocytes, from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Phagocytosis and respiratory burst were the most popular immunological assays. Studies used isolated leucocytes to demonstrate that dietary manipulations enhance fish immunity, while chemical and physical stressors suppress immunity. In addition, parasites, and microbial pathogens depress fish innate immunity and induce pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcripts production, while vaccines enhance immunity. This review found 10 developed salmonid cell lines, mainly from S. salar and O. mykiss HK tissue, which require fish euthanisation to isolate. In the face of high costs involved with density gradient reagents, the application of hypotonic lysis in conjunction with mico-volume blood methods can potentially reduce research costs, time, and using nonlethal and ethically flexible approaches. Since the targeted literature review for this study retrieved no metabolomics study of leucocytes, indicates that this approach, together with traditional technics and novel flow cytometry could help open new opportunities for in vitro studies in aquaculture immunology and vaccinology.

Fish antimicrobial peptides (AMP's) as essential and promising molecular therapeutic agents: A review

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are generally considered as an essential component of innate immunity, thereby providing the first line of defense against wide range of pathogens. In addition, they can also kill the pathogens which are generally resistant to number of antibiotics, thereby providing the avenues for the development of future therapeutic agents. Fishes are constantly challenged by variety of pathogens which not only shows detrimental effect on their health but also increases risk of becoming resistant to conventional antibiotics. As fishes rely more on innate immunity, AMPs can serve as a potential defensive weapons in fishes for combating emerging devastating diseases. Generally, AMPs show multidimensional properties like rapid diffusion to the site of infection, recruitment of other immune cells to infected tissues and vigorous potential to rapidly neutralize broad range of pathogens (bacterial, fungal and viral). AMPs also exhibit diverse biological effect like endotoxin neutralization, immunomodulation and induction of angiogenesis in mammals. Due to these properties AMPs have become one of the most promising therapeutic agents to be studied. Till date, many AMPs have been isolated from the fishes but not fully characterized at molecular level. This review provides an overview of the structures, functions, and putative mechanisms of major families of fish AMPs. Further, we also highlighted how fish AMPs can be used as a novel therapeutic tool which is the theme of future research in drug development.

Angiotensins processing activities in the venom and epidermic mucus of Scorpaena plumieri

The venom of marine animals is a rich source of compounds with remarkable selectivity and functional diversity. Scorpaena plumieri is the most venomous fish in the Brazilian fauna and is responsible for relatively frequent accidents involving anglers and bathers. In humans, its venom causes edema, erythema, ecchymoses, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and syncope. The venom is chemically characterized by Sp-CTx, a enzyme able to generate an initial endothelium-dependent relaxation response, followed by a contraction response. This study sought to investigate the proteolytic activities regarding vasopeptides angiotensin I and II. Both the venom and the epidermal mucus presented angiotensin conversion activity for angiotensin I, as well as a capacity to form Ang 1-7 directly via Ang I and II. Captopril (10 μM) and EDTA (1 mM) were able to abolish the converting activity of the venom and the epidermal mucus, representing the first description of a converting activity in S. plumieri venom and epidermal mucus.

Sexual maturation and administration of 17β-estradiol and testosterone induce complex gene expression changes in skin and increase resistance of Atlantic salmon to ectoparasite salmon louse

The crustacean ectoparasitic salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) is a major problem of Atlantic salmon aquaculture in the Northern hemisphere. Host-pathogen interactions in this system are highly complex. Resistance to the parasite involves variations in genetic background, nutrition, properties of skin, and status of the endocrine and immune systems. This study addressed the relationship between sex hormones and lice infection. Field observation revealed a sharp reduction of lice prevalence during sexual maturation with no difference between male and female fish. To determine if higher resistance against lice was related to sex hormones, post-smolt salmon were administered control feed and feeds containing 17β-estradiol (20 mg/kg) and testosterone (25 mg/kg) during a 3-week pre-challenge period. After challenge with lice, counts were reduced 2-fold and 1.5-fold in fish that received 17β-estradiol and testosterone, respectively. Gene expression analyses were performed from skin of salmon collected in the field trial and from the controlled lab experiment at three time points (end of feeding-before challenge, 3 days post challenge (dpc) and 16 dpc) using oligonucleotide microarray and qPCR. Differential expression was observed in genes associated with diverse biological processes. Both studies revealed similar changes of several antibacterial acute phase proteins; of note was induction of cathelicidin and down-regulation of a defensin gene. Treatment with hormones revealed their ability to modulate T helper cell (Th)-mediated immunity in skin. Enhanced protection achieved by 17β-estradiol administration might in part be due to the skewing of Th responses away from the prototypic anti-parasitic Th2 immunity and towards the more effective Th1 responses. Multiple genes involved in wound healing, differentiation and remodelling of skin tissue were stimulated during maturation but suppressed with sex hormones. Such opposite regulation suggested that these processes were not associated with resistance to the parasite under the studied conditions. Both studies revealed regulation of a suite of genes encoding putative large mucosal proteins found exclusively in fish. Marked decrease of erythrocyte markers indicated reduced circulation while down-regulation of multiple zymogen granule membrane proteins and transporters of cholesterol and other compounds suggested limited availability of nutrients for the parasites.

Variations of serum and mucus lysozyme activity and total protein content in the male and female Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum, Kamensky 1901) during reproductive period

Serum and mucus lysozyme were measured in male and female Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) under seasonal temperature, gonadal growth and reproductive migration. Significant difference with almost similar trend in serum and mucus lysozyme of the female Caspian kutum in sampling time and ovarian growth was observed. However, while there was no significant difference in serum lysozyme of the male specimen in sampling time and testicular growth, significant variations was observed in mucus lysozyme. In addition, there was significant difference in mucus total protein both for male and female specimens. The effectiveness ratio of factors on lysozyme variations followed in descending order by seasonal temperature (main factor), reproductive activity and migration with negligible effect and the lysozyme level was not significantly different in male and female Caspian kutum.

Assays optimized for detection and quantification of antibacterial activity in shark cell lysates under high salt conditions

To assess non-cellular innate immune mechanisms that play a role in the antimicrobial defense of an organism several assay systems have been devised to screen for such factors. Most assays, however, have been developed to measure activity against clinical isolates of medical importance. There is scant information on methods optimal for assaying material from sharks and other marine fish for antimicrobial activity particularly against salt tolerant organisms that are likely to be encountered in the marine environment. We have modified and optimized agar diffusion and broth dilution assays for detection and quantification of antibacterial activity of shark leukocyte lysates. By replacing marine agar, typically used for marine organisms, with artificial sea water complete medium (SCM) enriched with tryptone and yeast extract has resulted in an improved inhibition zone assay that uses Planococcus citreus, a salt-tolerant organism as the target organism. Antibacterial activity is correlated to the size of zone of no bacterial growth around wells containing bioactive test sample. An alternative broth based microdilution growth assay uses the 96 well format and the antibacterial effect of the sample on growth of P. citreus, the target organism, is measured spectrophotometrically as percent inhibition of bacterial growth when compared to the growth of P. citreus grown in medium alone that represents 100% growth. The assay can also be used to titrate antibacterial activity and express the level of growth inhibition as a titer.

Baltic salmon, Salmo salar, from Swedish river Lule älv is more resistant to furunculosis compared to rainbow trout

Background

Furunculosis, caused by Aeromonas salmonicida, continues to be a major health problem for the growing salmonid aquaculture. Despite effective vaccination programs regular outbreaks occur at the fish farms calling for repeated antibiotic treatment. We hypothesized that a difference in natural susceptibility to this disease might exist between Baltic salmon and the widely used rainbow trout.

Study Design

A cohabitation challenge model was applied to investigate the relative susceptibility to infection with A. salmonicida in rainbow trout and Baltic salmon. The course of infection was monitored daily over a 30-day period post challenge and the results were summarized in mortality curves.

Results

A. salmonicida was recovered from mortalities during the entire test period. At day 30 the survival was 6.2% and 34.0% for rainbow trout and Baltic salmon, respectively. Significant differences in susceptibility to A. salmonicida were demonstrated between the two salmonids and hazard ratio estimation between rainbow trout and Baltic salmon showed a 3.36 higher risk of dying from the infection in the former.

Conclusion

The finding that Baltic salmon carries a high level of natural resistance to furunculosis might raise new possibilities for salmonid aquaculture in terms of minimizing disease outbreaks and the use of antibiotics.

Impact of acute stress on antimicrobial polypeptides mRNA copy number in several tissues of marine sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Background

In comparison to higher vertebrates, fish are thought to rely heavily on innate immune system for initial protection against pathogen invasion because their acquired immune system displays a considerably poor immunological memory, and short-lived secondary response. The endogenous antimicrobial polypeptides (AMPPs) directly and rapidly killing pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses are included within the realm of innate defenses. In addition to piscidins, AMPPs that in recent years have been shown to be commonly linked to innate defense, are histones and their polypeptide fragments, and peptides derived from the respiratory protein hemoglobin. There is evidence that a number of stresses lead to significant regulation of AMPPs and thus their monitoring could be a highly sensitive measure of health status and risk of an infectious disease outbreak, which is a major impediment to the continued success of virtually all aquaculture enterprises and is often the most significant cause of economic losses.

Results

We firstly isolated and deposited in Genbank database the cDNA sequences encoding for hemoglobin-β-like protein (Hb-LP) [GeneBank: JN410659], H2B histone-like protein 1 (HLP1) GenBank: JN410660], and HLP2 [GenBank: JN410661]. The "de novo" prediction of the three-dimensional structures for each protein is presented. Phylogenetic trees were constructed on Hb-LP, HLP1, and HLP2 sequences of sea bass and those of other teleost, avian, reptiles, amphibian and mammalian species. We then used real time RT-PCR technology to monitor for the first time in sea bass, dynamic changes in mRNA copy number of Hb-LP, HLP1, HLP2, and dicentracin in gills, skin, eyes, stomach and proximal intestine in response to acute crowding/confinement stress. We showed that acute crowding stress induces an increase in the expression levels of the aforementioned genes, in gills and skin of sea bass, but not in other tissues, and that this expression patterns are not always rapidly reversed upon re-exposure to normal conditions.

Conclusion

The higher expression of the four target genes in gills and skin of sea bass suggests that this AMPP represents a first and immediate line of defense in combating pathogens and stressors since these tissues constitute the first physiological barriers of the animal.

Isolation and identification of a novel inducible antibacterial peptide from the skin mucus of Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica

In this study, acetone extracts and acidic extracts were prepared from skin mucus, gill, kidney, liver and spleen of the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica, and they exhibited different levels of antibacterial activities against three strains of Gram-negative bacteria, Edwardsiella tarda, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas sp. and one Gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus leteus. The mucus was chosen as the source of antibacterial peptide for further purification of antibacterial peptides. Following the intraperitoneal injection of A. hydrophila, one of the main pathogenic bacteria of Japanese eel and many other fish, a peptide was purified from acetic acid extraction of the skin mucus, by using cationic exchange liquid chromatography and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The isolated antibacterial peptide, named as AJN-10, exhibited antibacterial activity against A. hydrophila. The AJN-10 is a heat-tolerant and hydrophilic peptide. The molecular weight of this peptide is 6,044.28 Da, as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry. The 20 N-terminal amino acid sequences were clarified by Edman degradation, and based on results of homology search by BLAST analysis of the 20 N-terminal sequences, the AJN-10 showed little similarity to other proteins in databases.

Immunological control of fish diseases

All metazoans possess innate immune defence system whereas parameters of the adaptive immune system make their first appearance in the gnathostomata, the jawed vertebrates. Fish are therefore the first animal phyla to possess both an innate and adaptive immune system making them very interesting as regards developmental studies of the immune system. The massive increase in aquaculture in recent decades has also put greater emphasis on studies of the fish immune system and defence against diseases commonly associated with intensive fish rearing. Some of the main components of the innate and adaptive immune system of fish are described. The innate parameters are at the forefront of immune defence in fish and are a crucial factor in disease resistance. The adaptive response of fish is commonly delayed but is essential for lasting immunity and a key factor in successful vaccination. Some of the inherent and external factors that can manipulate the immune system of fish are discussed, the main fish diseases are listed and the pathogenicity and host defence discussed. The main prophylactic measures are covered, including vaccination, probiotics and immunostimulation. A key element in the immunological control of fish diseases is the great variation in disease susceptibility and immune defence of different fish species, a reflection of the extended time the present day teleosts have been separated in evolution. Future research will probably make use of molecular and proteomic tools both to study important elements in immune defence and prophylactic measures and to assist with breeding programmes for disease resistance.

A novel protein isolated from the serum of rabbitfish (Siganus oramin) is lethal to Cryptocaryon irritans

The susceptibility of eight marine fish species cultured in South China were tested for infection by the parasitic ciliate, Cryptocaryon irritans, via a challenge examination and an immobilization assay. All species of fish (representing six different families) that we investigated were infected by C. irritans except the rabbitfish (Siganus oramin), which displayed resistance to C. irritans infection. The infection intensity of rabbitfish (0.92+/-0.97, p<0.05) was significantly lower while the immobilization titres of rabbitfish serum were significantly higher (44.51+/-22.98, p<0.05) than the other seven species of fish. Additionally, the serum of the rabbitfish presented a strong killing effect to C. irritans in vitro. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy confirmed that rabbitfish serum could induce the theront cilia fall off, rupture of the cell membrane because of the swell and rupture of the macronucleus. Rabbitfish serum could also induce the rupture of the trophont membrane and content efflux. Herein a novel antiparasitic protein (APP) was isolated and purified from the serum of rabbitfish (S. oramin) by using a series of salting-out, cation exchange chromatography and two step of reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Analysis of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that APP was a homogenous polymeric protein with an N-terminal amino acid sequence of SSVEKNLAACLRDND. Its monomeric molecular mass, determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS), was found to be 61,739.87 Da. Results of homology analyses indicated that this protein was a newly discovered functional protein in the rabbitfish serum. Laser confocal fluorescence microscopy conformed that the action site of the APP was mainly on the cell membrane and nucleus of theront, which agreed with the results of light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These findings suggest that this protein may contribute considerably to the innate host defence mechanism to combat microbes of the rabbitfish.

Novel L-amino acid oxidase with antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from epidermal mucus of the flounder Platichthys stellatus

Fish produce mucus substances as a defensive outer barrier against environmental xenobiotics and predators. Recently, we found a bioactive protein in the mucus layer of the flounder Platichthys stellatus, which showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. In this study, we isolated and identified the antibacterial protein from the mucus components of P. stellatus using a series of column chromatography steps. We then performed gel electrophoresis and cDNA cloning to characterize the protein. The antibacterial protein in the mucus had a molecular mass of approximately 52 kDa with an isoelectric point of 5.3, and cDNA sequencing showed that it corresponded completely with the peptide sequence of antibacterial protein from the gill. A BLAST search suggested that the cDNA encoded an antibacterial protein sharing identity with a number of L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) and possessing several conserved motifs found in flavoproteins. RT-PCR using a specific primer, and immunohistochemical analysis with anti-LAAO IgG, demonstrated tissue-specific expression and localization in the gill. Moreover, the anti-LAAO IgG was able to neutralize the antibacterial activity of the protein against methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Thus, we demonstrated that this antibacterial protein, identified from P. stellatus-derived epidermal mucus, is a novel LAAO-like protein with antibacterial activity, similar to snake LAAOs.

Bio-Mos: an effective inducer of dicentracin gene expression in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Concern over the use of dietary antibiotics in aquaculture has encouraged the industry to search for alternatives that both enhance performance and afford protection from disease. Bio-Mos, derived from the outer cell wall of a specific strain of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Alltech Inc, USA) is a product that fits these criteria. Here, we present data on the impact of a Bio-Mos supplemented diet on the mRNA copy number of the antimicrobial peptide dicentracin, whose transcript regulation has not yet been explored in fish.We analyzed Bio-Mos-induced changes in the expression of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) dicentracin,using a one-tube two-temperature real-time RT-PCR with which the gene expression can be absolutely quantified using the standard curve method. Our results revealed that 30 days of feeding fish with diets containing Bio-Mos supplemented at either 3 per thousand or 5 per thousand significantly increased the dicentracin mRNA copy number in the head kidney. Furthermore, the mRNA copy number in fish fed at 3 per thousand was significantly higher than that of the group fed at 5 per thousand for the same period of feeding Bio-Mos. A longer feeding period (60 days)did not further increase the dicentracin transcript levels as compared to the values recorded after 30 days of feeding either in the group fed at 3 per thousand or in the one fed at 5 per thousand diet. However, the transcript levels in fish fed at 3 per thousand proved to be significantly higher than those of the controls after 60 days of feeding. These findings offer new information about the response of antimicrobial peptides at the transcriptional level to diets supplemented with immune response modulators, and support a role of Bio-Mos in promoting sea bass nonspecific immune system.

Organization and promoter analysis of the grouper (Epinephelus coioides) epinecidin-1 gene

Epinecidin-1, an antimicrobial peptide documented in some fish, is an essential component of the innate immune response in fish, but little is known about its gene regulation. To better understand the molecular mechanism controlling transcription of the epinecidin-1 gene, we cloned and sequenced the genes and promoter regions of three epinecidin-1 peptides from the grouper (Epinephelus coioides). These genes have the potential to encode three putative epinecidin-1 peptides with either a short or a long 5'-untranslated region (UTR). These epinecidin-1 genes, numbered 124-1 (gene structure: 5 exons), 124-2 (gene structure: 5 exons), and 961 (gene structure: 4 exons), have 3' UTR sequences that dramatically differ by being located on different exons in clones 124 and 961. To address the roles of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and poly(I):poly(C) in regulating epinecidin-1 expression, serial deletions were prepared in the promoter region of two clones that contained three genes. Different fragments of the epinecidin-1 5'-flanking region were transfected into U937 (human histiocytic lymphoma) and ZFL (zebrafish liver) cells and then treated with 0, 1, 10, and 100 mug/mL LPS or poly(I):poly(C). The results showed that after treatment with 10 mug/mL LPS, high promoter activity was observed in the 0.6-kb promoter fragment (of clone 961). Promoter deletions showed that hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1 was required for a maximal response of epinecidin-1 961 promoter activity after LPS treatment in ZFL cells. Morphological studies of transgenic zebrafish indicated that the 2-kb epinecidin-1 124-1 promoter-driven GFP transcripts appeared in the eye and skin as confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. These results indicate that the 2-kb epinecidin-1 124-1 promoter is active in a tissue-specific manner.

cDNA sequence and tissue expression of an antimicrobial peptide, dicentracin; a new component of the moronecidin family isolated from head kidney leukocytes of sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax

A 483-bp cDNA was isolated from sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) head kidney leukocytes, dicentracin, using PCR primers designed from conserved moronecidin domains. Gene bank analysis revealed that dicentracin cDNA belongs to the moronecidin family. As deduced from alignment with Morone chrysops moronecidin, the precursor of 79 aa appeared to be composed of a signal peptide of 22 aa, followed by the mature AMP (antimicrobial peptide) of 22 aa named dicentracin, and a C-terminal extension of 35 aa. Dicentracin precursor displayed 3 aa substitutions with other moronecidin sequence but none in the mature peptide sequence. Using in situ hybridization assay, dicentracin gene expression was observed in 68-71% of peripheral blood leukocytes, kidney leukocytes or peritoneal cavity leukocytes without significant statistical differences. Dicentracin mRNA was observed in most of the granulocytes, as well as in monocytes from both peripheral blood and head kidney, and in macrophages from peritoneal cavity. No expression was observed in thrombocytes or in lymphocytes.

Purification, characterization and comparison of reptile lysozymes

Cation exchange column chromatography and gel filtration chromatography were used to purify four reptile lysozymes from egg white: SSTL A and SSTL B from soft shelled turtle (Trionyx sinensis), ASTL from Asiatic soft shelled turtle (Amyda cartilagenea) and GSTL from green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). The molecular masses of the purified reptile lysozymes were estimated to be 14 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Enzyme activity of the four lysozymes could be confirmed by gel zymograms and showed charge differences on native-PAGE. SSTL A, SSTL B and ASTL had sharp pH optima of about pH 6.0, which contrasts with that of GSTL, which showed dual pH optima at about pH 6.0 and pH 8.0. The activities of the reptile lysozymes rapidly decreased within 30 min of incubation at 90 degrees C except for ASTL, which was more stable. Partial N-terminal amino acid sequencing and peptide mapping strongly suggested that the enzymes were C-type lysozymes. Interestingly, the mature SSTL lysozymes show an extra Gly residue at the N-terminus, which was previously found in soft-shelled turtle lysozyme. The reptile lysozymes showed lytic activity against several species of bacteria, such as Micrococcus luteus and Vibrio cholerae, but showed only weak activity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and lacked activity towards Aeromonas hydrophila.

Lipase and antibacterial activities of a recombinant protein from the accessory glands of female Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae)

The reproductive accessory glands of the adult female have a functional versatility in insects, contributing to reproduction in various ways. The major protein secreted by the accessory glands of female Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera, Psychodidae) has already been characterised and named PhpaLIP (for P. papatasi lipase) because, in terms of its amino-acid sequence, it is very similar to a wide range of vertebrate lipases. The gene coding for PhpaLIP has now been cloned into a pQE30 vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. When the recombinant PhpaLIP was tested in vitro, it was found to have not only lipase-like activity (when p-nitrophenyl caprylate was used as the substrate) but also specific antibacterial activity against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The possible physiological roles of PhpaLIP in P. papatasi are discussed, in the light of these results.

The eel immune system: present knowledge and the need for research

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla, is one of the most important warm water fish species cultured in southern Europe and the Mediterranean as well as in northern countries including Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark. The Japanese eel, A. japonica, is an important cultured fish in several Asiatic countries including Japan, China and Taiwan. During recent decades, research has been performed to elucidate the immune response of these species against different pathogens (viruses, bacteria or parasites). Nevertheless, there is very limited information in terms of both cellular and humoral immune responses. This review summarizes the present knowledge relating to the eel immune system and includes new data.

Innate immunity of fish (overview)

The innate immune system is the only defence weapon of invertebrates and a fundamental defence mechanism of fish. The innate system also plays an instructive role in the acquired immune response and homeostasis and is therefore equally important in higher vertebrates. The innate system's recognition of non-self and danger signals is served by a limited number of germ-line encoded pattern recognition receptors/proteins, which recognise pathogen associated molecular patterns like bacterial and fungal glycoproteins and lipopolysaccharides and intracellular components released through injury or infection. The innate immune system is divided into physical barriers, cellular and humoral components. Humoral parameters include growth inhibitors, various lytic enzymes and components of the complement pathways, agglutinins and precipitins (opsonins, primarily lectins), natural antibodies, cytokines, chemokines and antibacterial peptides. Several external and internal factors can influence the activity of innate immune parameters. Temperature changes, handling and crowding stress can have suppressive effects on innate parameters, whereas several food additives and immunostimulants can enhance different innate factors. There is limited data available about the ontogenic development of the innate immunological system in fish. Active phagocytes, complement components and enzyme activity, like lysozyme and cathepsins, are present early in the development, before or soon after hatching.

Two novel muramidases from skin mucosa of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Two novel antibacterial muramidases were purified to homogeneity from skin exudates of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Unusually, one has an acidic isoelectric point and it is the first anionic muramidase to be reported for fish. Its molecular mass is 14,268 Da, as determined by mass spectrometry. The other muramidase is cationic with a mass of 14,252 Da. Partial N-terminal amino acid sequencing and peptide mapping strongly point to it being a c-type lysozyme, the first to be purified and characterised from skin of a salmonid. Its optimum pH ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 and its optimum temperature, at pH 5.0, is 33-49 degrees C, although it still exhibits activity at 5 degrees C. It is strongly bactericidal to the Gram-(+) bacterium Planococcus citreus, with a minimum bactericidal concentration of 100 U ml(-1), but is neither chitinolytic nor haemolytic. These two muramidases probably contribute to epithelial defence of the fish against microbes, either alone or in synergism with antibacterial peptides.

Stopping Bacterial Adhesion: A Novel Approach to Treating Infections

Adhesion and colonization are prerequisites for the establishment of bacterial pathogenesis. The prevention of adhesion is an attractive target for the development of new therapies in the prevention of infection. Bacteria have developed a multiplicity of adhesion mechanisms commonly targeting surface carbohydrate structures, but our ability to rationally design effective antiadhesives is critically affected by the limitations of our knowledge of the human 'glycome' and of the bacterial function in relation to it. The potential for the future development of carbohydrate-based antiadhesives has been demonstrated by a significant number of in vitro and in vivo studies. Such therapies will be particularly relevant for infections of mucosal surfaces where topical application or delivery is possible.

Apolipoproteins A-I and A-II are potentially important effectors of innate immunity in the teleost fish Cyprinus carpio

We have previously shown that high density lipoprotein is the most abundant protein in the carp plasma and displays bactericidal activity in vitro. Therefore the aim of this study was to analyze the contribution of its principal apolipoproteins, apoA-I and apoA-II, in defense. Both apolipoproteins were isolated by a two step procedure involving affinity and gel filtration chromatography and were shown to display bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic activity in the micromolar range against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including some fish pathogens. In addition, a cationic peptide derived from the C-terminal region of carp apoA-I was synthesized and shown to possess antimicrobial activity (EC(50) = 3-6 micro m) against Planococcus citreus. This peptide was also able to potentiate the inhibitory effect of lysozyme in a radial diffusion assay at subinhibitory concentrations of both effectors. Finally, limited proteolysis of HDL-associated apoA-I with chymotrypsin in vitro was shown to generate a major truncated fragment, which indicates that apoA-I peptides liberated in vivo through a regulated proteolysis could also be involved in innate immunity.

Inactivation of viruses infecting ectothermic animals by amphibian and piscine antimicrobial peptides

The ability of five purified amphibian antimicrobial peptides (dermaseptin-1, temporin A, magainin I, and II, PGLa), crude peptide fractions isolated from the skin of Rana pipiens and R. catesbeiana, and four antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from hybrid striped bass (piscidin-1N, -1H, -2, and -3) were examined for their ability to reduce the infectivity of channel catfish virus (CCV) and frog virus 3 (FV3). All compounds, with the exception of magainin I, markedly reduced the infectivity of CCV. In contrast to CCV, FV3 was 2- to 4-fold less sensitive to these agents. Similar to an earlier study employing two other amphibian peptides, the agents used here acted rapidly and over a wide, physiologically relevant, temperature range to reduce virus infectivity. These results extend our previous findings and strongly suggest that various amphibian and piscine AMPs may play important roles in protecting fish and amphibians from pathogenic viruses.

Ribosomally synthesized peptides with antimicrobial properties: biosynthesis, structure, function, and applications

Ribosomally synthesized peptides with antimicrobial properties (antimicrobial peptides-AMPs) are produced by eukaryotes and prokaryotes and represent crucial components of their defense systems against microorganisms. Although they differ in structure, they are nearly all cationic and very often amphiphilic, which reflects the fact that many of them attack their target cells by permeabilizing the cell membrane. They can be roughly categorized into those that have a high content of a certain amino acid, most often proline, those that contain intramolecular disulfide bridges, and those with an amphiphilic region in their molecule if they assume an alpha-helical structure. Most of the known ribosomally synthesized peptides with antimicrobial functions have been identified and studied during the last 20 years. As a result of these studies, new knowledge has been acquired into biology and biochemistry. It has become evident that these peptides may be developed into useful antimicrobial additives and drugs. The use of two-peptide antimicrobial peptides as replacement for clinical antibiotics is promising, though their applications in preservation of foods (safe and effective for use in meat, vegetables, and dairy products), in veterinary medicine, and in dentistry are more immediate. This review focuses on the current status of some of the main types of ribosomally synthesized AMPs produced by eucaryotes and procaryotes and discusses the novel antimicrobial functions, new developments, e.g. heterologous production of bacteriocins by lactic acid bacteria, or construction of multibacteriocinogenic strains, novel applications related to these peptides, and future research paradigms.

Anti-microbial peptides: from invertebrates to vertebrates

Gene-encoded anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) are widespread in nature, as they are synthesized by microorganisms as well as by multicellular organisms from both the vegetal and the animal kingdoms. These naturally occurring AMPs form a first line of host defense against pathogens and are involved in innate immunity. Depending on their tissue distribution, AMPs ensure either a systemic or a local protection of the organism against environmental pathogens. They are classified into three major groups: (i) peptides with an alpha-helical conformation (insect cecropins, magainins, etc.), (ii) cyclic and open-ended cyclic peptides with pairs of cysteine residues (defensins, protegrin, etc.), and (iii) peptides with an over-representation of some amino acids (proline rich, histidine rich, etc.). Most AMPs display hydrophobic and cationic properties, have a molecular mass below 25-30 kDa, and adopt an amphipathic structure (alpha-helix, beta-hairpin-like beta-sheet, beta-sheet, or alpha-helix/beta-sheet mixed structures) that is believed to be essential to their anti-microbial action. Interestingly, in recent years, a series of novel AMPs have been discovered as processed forms of large proteins. Despite the extreme diversity in their primary and secondary structures, all natural AMPs have the in vitro particularity to affect a large number of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeast, virus, etc.) with identical or complementary activity spectra. This review focuses on AMPs forming alpha-helices, beta-hairpin-like beta-sheets, beta-sheets, or alpha-helix/beta-sheet mixed structures from invertebrate and vertebrate origins. These molecules show some promise for therapeutic use.

Identification, structure and differential expression of novel pleurocidins clustered on the genome of the winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum)

Antimicrobial peptides form one of the first lines of defense against invading pathogens by killing the microorganisms and/or mobilizing the host innate immune system. Although over 800 antimicrobial peptides have been isolated from many different species, especially insects, few have been reported from marine fish. Sequence analysis of two genomic clones (15.6 and 12.5 kb) from the winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum) resulted in the identification of multiple clustered genes for novel pleurocidin-like antimicrobial peptides. Four genes and three pseudogenes (Psi) are encoded in these clusters, all of which have similar intron/exon boundaries but specify putative antimicrobial peptides differing in sequence. Pseudogenes are easily detectable but have incorrect initiator codons (ACG) and often contain a frameshift(s). Potential promoters and binding sites for transcription factors implicated in regulation of expression of immune-related genes have been identified in upstream regions by comparative genomics. Using reverse transcription-PCR assays, we have shown for the first time that each gene is expressed in a tissue-specific and developmental stage-specific manner. In addition, synthetic peptides based on the sequences of both genes and pseudogenes have been produced and tested for antimicrobial activity. These data can be used as a basis for prediction of antimicrobial peptide candidates for both human and nonhuman therapeutants from genomic sequences and will aid in understanding the evolution and transcriptional regulation of expression of these peptides.

Purification and characterization of an antibacterial protein in the skin secretion of rockfish Sebastes schlegeli

An antibacterial protein in the skin secretion of rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) was purified by lectin affinity chromatography on Con A-Sepharose and gel filtration on TSKgel G3000SW. The antibacterial protein featured the high molecular mass and selective action against Gram-negative bacteria. The molecular mass of the protein was estimated to be approximately 150 kDa in gel filtration and approximately 75 kDa by SDS-PAGE, suggesting that it is dimeric. The antibacterial principle was an acidic glycoprotein with pI 4.5, 3.4% reducing sugar and 2.8% amino sugar. Its sugar chains had N-type (high mannose-type) oligosaccharide and sialic acid components. It inhibited strongly the growth of Aeromonas salmonicida, Photobacterium damselae and Shewanella putrefaciens with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of approximately 3 microg/ml, and moderately the growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and A. hydrophila with a MIC of 12.5 microg/ml and 25 microg/ml, respectively. The values of the minimum bactericidal concentration were almost equivalent to those of MIC. The potent sensitivity against virulent pathogens such as A. hydrophila, A. salmonicida and P. damselae may contribute considerably to the innate host defense mechanism to combat microbes on the mucosal surfaces of the rockfish.

Fish can be first--advances in fish transgenesis for commercial applications

Over the past 15 years researchers have generated stable lines of several species of transgenic fish important for aquaculture. 'All-fish' growth hormone (GH) gene constructs and antifreeze protein (AFP) genes have been successfully introduced into the fish genome resulting in a significant acceleration of growth rate and an increase in cold and freeze tolerance. However, neither gene modification is completely understood; there are still questions to be resolved. Expression rates are still low, producing variable growth enhancement rates and less than desired levels of freeze resistance. Transgene strategies are also being developed to provide improved pathogen resistance and modified metabolism for better utilization of the diet. Additional challenges are to tailor the genetically modified fish strains to prevent release of the modified genes into the environment.

Oncorhyncin III: a potent antimicrobial peptide derived from the non-histone chromosomal protein H6 of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

The partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of the antimicrobial peptide reported in the present paper has been submitted to the TrEMBL database under the accession number P83338. A 6.7 kDa antimicrobial peptide was isolated from trout skin secretions using acid extraction followed by cation-exchange chromatography, (t)C(18) solid-phase extraction, and C(18) reversed-phase HPLC. The molecular mass of this peptide, which is tentatively named oncorhyncin III, is 6671 Da, as determined by matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization MS. N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed that the first 13 residues of oncorhyncin III are identical with those of the non-histone chromosomal protein H6 from rainbow trout. Hence these data combined with the MS results indicate that oncorhyncin III is likely to be a cleavage product of the non-histone chromosomal protein H6 (residues 1-66) and that it probably contains two methylated residues or one double methylation. The purified peptide exhibits potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations in the submicromolar range. The peptide is sensitive to NaCl, and displays no haemolytic activity towards trout erythrocytes at concentrations below 1 microM. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that oncorhyncin III does not cause direct disruption of bacterial cells. Reconstitution of the peptide in planar lipid bilayers strongly disturbs the membranes, but does not induce the formation of stable ion channels. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that oncorhyncin III plays a role in mucosal innate host defence.

Identification and expression analysis of hepcidin-like antimicrobial peptides in bony fish

Antimicrobial peptides play a crucial role as the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Several types of antimicrobial peptides have been isolated from fish, mostly of the cationic alpha-helical variety. Here, we present the cDNA sequences of five highly disulphide-bonded hepcidin-like peptides from winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum) and two from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar (L.). These hepcidin-like molecules consist of a 24 amino acid signal peptide and an acidic propiece of 38-40 amino acids in addition to the mature processed peptide of 19-27 amino acids. Exhaustive data mining of GenBank with these sequences revealed that similar peptides are encoded in the genomes of Japanese flounder, rainbow trout, hybrid striped bass and medaka, indicating that they are widespread among fish. Southern hybridization analysis suggests that closely related hepcidin-like genes are present in other flatfish species, and that they exist as a multigene family clustered on the winter flounder genome. Hepcidin variants are differentially expressed during bacterial challenge, during larval development of P. americanus and in different tissues of adult fish.

Cellular localization of pleurocidin gene expression and synthesis in winter flounder gill using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization

Pleurocidin is an antimicrobial peptide isolated from winter flounder and has been previously localized to mucous cells of the skin epidermis and the intestine. The present study was designed to determine the cell type involved in pleurocidin gene expression and protein synthesis in gills from the same species. Whole-mount in situ hybridization with a pleurocidin-specific RNA probe and whole-mount immunohistochemistry with an anti-pleurocidin antibody localized the expression of this gene and the synthesis of its corresponding protein in a population of cells primarily isolated to the non-lamellar portion of the gill filament. Histological techniques allowed the presumptive identification of these cells as eosinophilic granular cells. These observations suggest that pleurocidin is expressed in not one but two distinct populations of cells within the winter flounder, one being an important group of inflammatory cells, the eosinophilic granular cells.

Local expression of apolipoprotein A-I gene and a possible role for HDL in primary defence in the carp skin

Antimicrobial proteins and peptides play an important role in the primary defence of epithelial barriers in vertebrates and invertebrates. Here we report the detection of the apolipoproteins A-I and A-II in the epidermis and epidermal mucus of the carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Both apolipoproteins are major constituents of high density lipoprotein and have been shown to display antiviral and antimicrobial activity in mammals. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate if they could be part of the innate immune system of teleost fish. A cDNA clone containing most of the coding region for carp apoA-I was isolated and used as a probe to demonstrate the expression of apoA-I gene in the skin. In addition, mucus apoA-I was shown to be associated to small particles that could correspond to nascent HDL. Finally, affinity purified plasma HDL displayed bactericidal activity in vitro against a non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strain, suggesting a defensive role for HDL and its associated proteins in the carp epidermis and mucus.

Nonmammalian vertebrate antibiotic peptides

With the exception of cyclostomes, all vertebrates share the common immune strategy of adaptive, highly specific immunity, based on the products of recombination-activating genes and recombined noninherited receptors for antigens. In addition, they have retained ancient vectors of innate immunity, such as antimicrobial peptides, which are widespread in all eukaryotic organisms and show a high degree of structural homology across most animal taxa. Recently, these substances have become the objects of intensive study for their outstanding bioactive properties with the aim to be applied as very efficient antibiotics, antimicrobials, and even cancerostatics in clinical practice.

Anti-microbial properties of histone H2A from skin secretions of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Skin exudates of rainbow trout contain a potent 13.6 kDa anti-microbial protein which, from partial internal amino acid sequencing, peptide mass fingerprinting, matrix-associated laser desorption/ionization MS and amino acid analysis, seems to be histone H2A, acetylated at the N-terminus. The protein, purified to homogeneity by ion-exchange and reversed-phase chromatography, exhibits powerful anti-bacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations in the submicromolar range. Kinetic analysis revealed that at a concentration of 0.3 microM all test bacteria lose viability after 30 min incubation. Weaker activity is also displayed against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The protein is salt-sensitive and has no haemolytic activity towards trout erythrocytes at concentrations below 0.3 microM. Reconstitution of the protein in a planar lipid bilayer strongly disturbs the membrane but does not form stable ion channels, indicating that its anti-bacterial activity is probably not due to pore-forming properties. This is the first report to show that, in addition to its classical function in the cell, histone H2A has extremely strong anti-microbial properties and could therefore help contribute to protection against bacterial invasion.

A novel antimicrobial function for a ribosomal peptide from rainbow trout skin

An antimicrobial peptide was purified from skin secretions and epithelial cells of rainbow trout by cation exchange and reversed phase chromatography. Partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified peptide revealed 100% identity with the first 11 residues of a 40S ribosomal peptide from medaka fish. Its molecular mass, determined by matrix-associated laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry, was found to be 6676.6Da. These results indicate that this antimicrobial peptide is likely to be the 40S ribosomal protein S30. It is active at submicromolar concentrations, with an effective 50% reduction concentration of 0.02-0.04 microM against Planococcus citreus. Thus, in addition to its conventional function in the cell as part of the small ribosomal subunit, this peptide may play a role in protection against intracellular or extracellular pathogens.

Skin morphology and humoral non-specific defence parameters of mucus and plasma in rainbow trout, coho and Atlantic salmon

Susceptibility to different diseases among related species, such as coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), is variable. The prominence of these species in aquaculture warrants investigation into sources of this variability to assist future disease management. To develop a better understanding of the basis for species variability, several important non-specific humoral parameters were examined in juvenile fish of these three economically important species. Mucous protease, alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme, as well as plasma lysozyme activities and histological parameters (epidermal thickness and mucous cell density, and size) were characterized and compared for three salmonids: rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon and coho salmon. Rainbow trout had a thicker epidermis and significantly more mucous cells per cross-sectional area than the other two species. Rainbow trout also had significantly higher mucous protease activity than Atlantic salmon and significantly higher lysozyme (plasma and mucus) activities than coho and Atlantic salmon, in seawater. Atlantic salmon, on the other hand, had the lowest activities of mucous lysozyme and proteases, the thinnest epidermal layer and the sparsest distribution of mucous cells, compared with the two other salmonids in seawater. Only coho salmon had sacciform cells. Atlantic and coho salmon had higher mucous lysozyme activities in freshwater as compared to seawater. There was no significant difference between mucous lysozyme activities in any of the three species reared in freshwater; however, rainbow trout still had a significantly higher plasma lysozyme activity compared with the other two species. All three species exhibited significantly lower mucous alkaline phosphatase and protease activities in freshwater than in seawater. Our results demonstrate that there are significant histological and biochemical differences between the skin and mucus of these three salmonid species, which may change as a result of differing environments. Variation in these innate immune factors is likely to have differing influences on each species response to disease processes.

Evaluation of immune functions of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)--how can environmental influences be detected?

In fish, the first line of defense against infectious microorganisms is based on a broad range of nonspecific humoral and cellular immune mechanisms ("innate immunity") which without prior specific activation can act in forming a more static barrier (Fish Shellfish Immunol. 10 (2000) 243; Dev. Comp. Immunol. 25 (2001) 827). This natural resistance is normally effective enough to protect fish from infectious diseases until specific immune responses are being induced (Fig. 1; Dev. Comp. Immunol. 25 (2001) 841). Healthy fish exhibit both nonspecific and specific immune responses depending directly on environmental temperature. Pollution of the natural aquatic environment with industrial or agricultural sewage is an important immunosuppressing factor resulting in higher susceptibility to infectious diseases. To date, the possible immunotoxicity of a substance is evaluated using quantification of humoral factors like lysozyme, complement, C-reactive protein or total immunoglobulins but less often using functional assays. Furthermore, most of the functional assays (phagocytosis, respiratory burst, proliferative response) are based on the measurement of the response of resting but not of specific activated immune cells. However, the physiological responses of the immune system to an infection are based on a complex, stepwise activation and proliferation, especially of the specific immune functions after first contact to the microorganisms. In this report we describe in vitro methods for the evaluation of cellular immune functions of different leukocyte populations after specific in vivo triggering of the immune system. Parameters to be evaluated are activation and proliferation of leukocyte populations, phagocytosis and respiratory burst, secretion of antigen-specific antibodies and specific cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, challenge models with bacterial (Aeromonas salmonicida) and viral pathogens (Viral Haemorrhagic Septicemia Virus, VHSV) are presented.