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Organotypic Tissue Model Systems for Investigating Host-Pathogen Interactions In Vitro
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In vitro fish mucosal surfaces producing mucin as a model for studying host-pathogen interactions
Macarena P Quintana-Hayashi1, Kristina A Thomsson Hulthe1, Sara K Lindén1
1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Plos One
|August 9, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed fish cell models to study mucosal surfaces, aiming to enhance disease prevention and reduce antibiotic use in aquaculture. These models mimic natural barriers, showing potential for investigating host-pathogen interactions and mucin production.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Fish immunology
- Mucosal immunology
Background:
- Aquaculture faces challenges with disease control and antibiotic use, necessitating alternative strategies.
- Mucosal surfaces, protected by mucus rich in mucins, are crucial first lines of defense against pathogens.
- Strengthening the mucosal barrier is a promising approach for disease prevention in fish.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize in vitro fish mucosal surface models using cell lines.
- To create models relevant for studying mucin regulation and host-pathogen interactions.
- To establish functional models for aquaculture disease prevention research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) RTgill-W1 and Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) CHSE-214 cell lines.
- Grew cells on polycarbonate membranes and induced mucus production via chemical treatment (DAPT) and prolonged culture.
- Metabolically labeled mucins and performed O-glycomics analysis; demonstrated pathogen binding.
Main Results:
- RTgill-W1 and CHSE-214 cells formed adherent layers and increased mucin production upon treatment.
- Identified specific sialylated O-glycans in RTgill-W1 cells, similar to rainbow trout gill mucin.
- Confirmed binding of the fish pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida to the developed cell models.
Conclusions:
- Developed functional in vitro fish mucosal surface models using RTgill-W1 and CHSE-214 cell lines.
- These models mimic key aspects of in vivo mucosal surfaces, including mucin production and glycosylation.
- The models are suitable for investigating pathogen interactions and the effects of modulatory compounds on mucin production, aiding aquaculture disease control.
