Galectin expression and modulation by viruses in fish cell lines (89.54)

Abstract

Abstract The galectin family of β-galactoside-binding proteins is evolutionarily conserved. In homeotherm vertebrates, galectin-virus interactions can affect viral infectivity and/or pathogenicity. We hypothesize that in teleost fish, galectin interactions with viral proteins modulate viral infectivity. We examined fish cell lines for expression of galectin-like molecules, and assessed changes in expression of identified galectins as well as of cytokines in response to viral infection. Minnow (EPC), trout (RTG-2), bluegill (BF-2), salmon (CHSE-214, ASK), zebrafish (ZFL), and catfish (COO, 42TA, G14D, 28S.3, 1G8, and 3B11) cells were tested. A proto-type galectin-like protein is expressed in EPC, RTG-2, and ZFL cell lines, and a chimera-type in EPC and RTG-2 cell lines. All tested cell lines express mRNA that exhibits high conservation with the zebrafish Drgal1-L2 proto-type galectin. Ten of the 12 cell lines express Drgal1-L3-like mRNA, 7 express Drgal1-L1-like mRNA, and 6 express Drgal1-L4-like mRNA. With the exception of 3B11, all tested cell lines express Drgal3-L1-like mRNA. Eight of the 12 express Drgal3-L2-like mRNA. Two of the 12 cell lines expressed Drgal9-like mRNA. Following infection of EPC cells with IHNV or IPNV, we observe modulations in expression of proto-type and tandem-repeat-type galectin-like molecules. We see modulations in expression of various cytokines, including type I and II interferons and TNF family members.