Progress in using coral as a model to study intrinsic and innate immune responses to herpes-like viruses (VET2P.1032)

Abstract

Abstract Corals have been shown to produce herpes-like viruses when triggered by abiotic stressors. In addition, new associations are being discovered between known coral diseases and viral pathogens. We intend to use coral as a model species to study invertebrate anti-viral immune responses in organisms critical to the resilience of the coral reef ecosystem. Our long-term goals include identifying possible immune genes in corals and measuring changes in gene expression in response to virus production. Fragments of Acropora were propagated in controlled aquarium systems mimicking fundamental properties of shallow reef with live rock, live sand, and artificial seawater. We acclimatized corals by providing sufficient photosynthetic active radiation, feeding, and periodic replenishment of macro- and microelements. RNA extractions were performed on coral specimens to synthesize cDNA for qPCR. Known human innate immune pathways such as STING, cGAS, Factor X, and NF-kB are under investigation using primers targeting the coral orthologs of critical human genes in these pathways. We are optimizing qPCR as a tool to amplify and quantify target genes from cDNA. We are also investigating western blot anaylsis of NF-kB to assess levels of immune activation in coral cells. Eventually, we hope to develop minimally-invasive tests to provide leading indicators of coral stress to help identify and manage threats to reef ecosystem health.