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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9 Protein into Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Embryos for Gene Editing
Published on: January 20, 2018
CRISPR-Cas9-mediated construction of a Streptococcus agalactiae vaccine for tilapia and evaluation of its protective
Mianlong Huang1, Xiufang Li2, Taian Pan1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
Background:
Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) causes severe tilapia streptococcosis with heavy aquaculture losses; existing vaccines have administration or efficacy limitations. This study used CRISPR-Cas9 to construct recombinant Escherichia coli DH5α-ORF4-GFP (targeting GBS scpB gene ORF4 fragment), optimized tilapia immersion immunization doses/frequencies, and evaluated the vaccine's protective efficacy, biosafety and regulatory effects via multi-dimensional assays.
Results:
The optimal regimen was single immersion at 1.5 × 104 CFU/mL, with a maximum RPS of 73.13% and stable 65.79% in validation. Immunized tilapia showed elevated immune indices (161.40% higher platelets) and numerical increases in globulin, normal liver/kidney function, and improved oxidative stress resistance with no tissue damage. The vaccine did not alter intestinal microbial richness but modulated community structure, enriching beneficial taxa such as Alphaproteobacteria, suggesting a potential interaction between vaccination and gut microbiota that may contribute to enhanced host defense.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, this study successfully developed an effective and safe genetically engineered vaccine against GBS in tilapia. The precise CRISPR-Cas9-mediated construction strategy and confirmed immune protective effect provide a novel technical approach for controlling this disease in aquaculture and offer important references for the development of related genetically engineered vaccines.
