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Functional immune response in Pecten maximus: combined effects of a pathogen-associated molecular pattern and PAH

Marie L Hannam1, Shaw D Bamber, Tamara S Galloway

  • 1Ecotoxicology and Stress Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical and Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK. marie.hannam@plymouth.ac.uk

Fish & Shellfish Immunology
|October 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) activate scallop immunity. Phenanthrene exposure reduced immune response to LPS, potentially impacting disease resistance in Pecten maximus.

Area of Science:

  • Marine biology
  • Immunology
  • Ecotoxicology

Background:

  • Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are microbial structures recognized by innate immune systems.
  • Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria are key PAMPs that stimulate invertebrate immunity.
  • Pecten maximus, a commercially important scallop, possesses an innate immune system susceptible to environmental stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immune response of Pecten maximus to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation.
  • To determine the combined effects of phenanthrene exposure and LPS challenge on scallop immune function.
  • To assess the potential consequences for disease resistance in Pecten maximus.

Main Methods:

  • Scallops (Pecten maximus) were exposed to phenanthrene (200 µg l⁻¹).
  • After 7 days, scallops were injected with Escherichia coli LPS or saline.
  • Haemolymph was sampled 48 hours post-injection for analysis of cellular immune responses.

Main Results:

  • LPS challenge significantly increased hemocyte counts and phagocytic activity in P. maximus.
  • Phenanthrene exposure exhibited an immunosuppressive effect.
  • Phenanthrene-exposed scallops showed reduced phagocytosis and cytotoxic activity post-LPS challenge, despite no significant impairment in PAMP response.

Conclusions:

  • Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) effectively stimulate the innate immune system of Pecten maximus.
  • Phenanthrene exposure can suppress immune function in scallops.
  • Combined exposure to phenanthrene and LPS may reduce disease resistance in Pecten maximus, with implications for aquaculture and wild populations.

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