A review on marine mollusk NF-κB/Rel studies in immunity and the characterization of a Chlamys farreri Rel gene

Abstract

The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) family members (NF-κB subfamily and Rel subfamily) are versatile transcription factors that play a crucial regulatory role in many physiological processes such as development, inflammation, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and differentiation. In particular, the functions of NF-κB/Rel in physiological immunity and pathological inflammation have always been a research hotspot. However, in invertebrates, especially in marine invertebrates, less research has been conducted on NF-κB/Rel. Many marine invertebrates, such as marine mollusks, are important economic species. Research on the immune system and its key immune genes can provide a theoretical reference for disease prevention and control in the aquaculture industry. In this study, we intend to review NF-κB/Rel research on marine mollusks. The gene structure and phylogenetic relationships of these mollusk NF-κB family members were analyzed. The functions that they play in the host's innate immunity are also summarized. In addition, a Rel gene in Chlamys farreri was confirmed, the expression profiles of CfRel after poly(I:C) challenge and the interaction between CfRel and CfIκB (Inhibitor of NF-κB) was checked. Overall, these studies would be helpful for enriching comparative immunology theory and may lay the foundation for more in-depth research on invertebrate NF-κB/Rel members.