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Invertebrate and fish cytokines
G Scapigliati1, S Bird, C J Secombes
1Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Università della Tuscia, Via S. Camillo De Lellis, I-01100 Viterbo, Italy. scapigg@unitus.it
European Cytokine Network
|October 7, 2000
Summary
Cytokines evolved early in vertebrates, with functional homologues found in bony fish. This review highlights interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) in fish, including new data on sea bass.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Fish Biology
Background:
- Cytokine-like molecules show analogy, not homology, between invertebrates and vertebrates.
- Cytokines emerged early in vertebrate evolution (~400 million years ago).
- Bony fish possess the oldest functional vertebrate immune systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and update evidence for cytokine presence in jawed and bony fish.
- To focus on interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) as an ancient defense cytokine.
- To present original data on IL-1beta peptide sequence in Mediterranean sea bass.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cytokine research in fish.
- Analysis of existing studies on fish cytokine homologues.
- Partial peptide sequencing of IL-1beta in Dicentrarchus labrax.
Main Results:
- Functional mammalian cytokine homologues are confirmed in fish.
- IL-1beta has been sequenced in rainbow trout and carp.
- Partial IL-1beta peptide sequence data for Mediterranean sea bass are presented.
Conclusions:
- Fish possess functional cytokine homologues, indicating conserved immune pathways.
- IL-1beta is an ancient defense cytokine with presence in diverse fish species.
- Further research on fish cytokines can illuminate vertebrate immune evolution.