Pathogen-associated gene expression profiles in rainbow trout macrophages

Dimitar B Iliev1, Giles W Goetz, Simon Mackenzie

  • 1Great Lakes WATER Institute, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, USA; University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.

Insights

Trout macrophages recognize pathogens via Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs). Gene expression varied significantly based on the PAMP type and activation time, revealing distinct immune responses to bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Fish Health

Background:

  • Immune cells recognize pathogens through Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) interacting with innate immune receptors.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing strategies against fish diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate PAMP-modulated gene expression in trout macrophages.
  • To identify specific genes responsive to different microbial stimuli.

Main Methods:

  • Trout macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), poly (I:C), and zymosan, representing bacterial, viral, and fungal PAMPs.
  • Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR at different time points (e.g., 24 hours).

Main Results:

  • Specific genes (SPINT1L, DDIT4L, STEAP4, TNFAIP3) were induced by LPS and zymosan but not poly(I:C).
  • Other genes (HMGB1, PSMB9) were upregulated by poly(I:C).
  • Gene expression differences were more pronounced at 24 hours, with poly(I:C) eliciting distinct responses.

Conclusions:

  • Trout macrophages exhibit differential gene expression patterns in response to various PAMPs.
  • The timing of immune cell activation influences the magnitude and specificity of the response.

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