Non-specific Immune System Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Sage, Myrtle and/or Probiotic Mixture on Growth, Intestinal Health, Antioxidant Capacity, and Diseases Resistance of Oncorhynchus mykiss

It is widely known that the use of medicinal plants and probiotics as feed additives has a positive effect on growth, non-specific immune system, and resistance to diseases in aquaculture. This study examines the effects of dietary supplementation with sage (Salvia officinalis) and myrtle (Myrtus communis), alone or in combination with a probiotic mixture (PM) on growth, intestine microflora and histology, some antioxidant enzymes activities in the muscle tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and disease resistance against Vibrio anguillarum. For this purpose, fish were fed with a control diet of 1% sage, 1% myrtle, 1.1% probiotic mixture, 1% sage +1.1% PM and 1% myrtle+1.1% PM supplemented diets for 60 days. At the end of the trial, the fish fed the diets supplemented with myrtle and sage + PM showed a positive effect on feed conversion ratio. According to the histological assessment, the villi length, villi width and goblet cell numbers in the intestines of fish in all groups increased compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase activity in the muscles of fish in the PM group was higher than the fish in the other groups (p<0.05). The malondialdehyde activity was unaffected with the exception of the fish in the sage group (p<0.05). The lactic acid bacteria count in the intestines increased in fish fed the sage + PM (p<0.05). Fish fed the diets supplemented with sage + probiotic mixture, probiotic mixture, myrtle + probiotic mixture, and myrtle saw a significant reduction in mortality (0-32.5%) due to V. anguillarum compared to the control (63.2%) (p<0.05). In conclusion, the use of probiotics, sage and myrtle in combination as a feed supplement showed a positive effect on the growth performance, intestinal microflora and histology, and antioxidant enzymes activities and disease resistance in rainbow trout.

Investigating the Role of Immune System in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) refers to the immune system's eradication of the cells that produce insulin in the patients’ islets. Dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and lymphocytes are some of the immune cells attended in the relevant immune responses and have been connected to the pathogenesis of T1D. In addition, it is also highlighted that cytokines also activate regulatory processes, like tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 7 (IL-7). It is possible to develop clinical trials for T1D that combine selective cytokine blocking as a component of preventive or interventional immunotherapy. In this project, the current knowledge on the relationship between inflammation and T1D is summarized. Non-specific immune system and specific immune system are highly involved in the complex mechanism and have specific responsibilities respectively. In addition, the roles of different types of cytokines in T1D and cytokine-related potential treatment options are also be discussed in this article.

Deep Learning in the Inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) refers to the most prevalent neurological disease, which is caused by amyloid plaque deposition and tau tangles accumulation. Several recent clinical investigations have suggested that many immune system components may play essential roles in AD pathogenesis. Both adaptive and innate immune system shows a bi-directional regulation to AD and the over-activated immune system could lead to neurons’ inflammation. In this article, the critical role of microglia in the non-specific immune system and T lymphocytes in specific immune system are mainly focused. Microglia and T cells both play important roles in regulating the cytokines and multiple signaling pathways which are associated with memory loss. Other immune cells including B lymphocytes and neutrophils are possibly associated with the pathology of AD, although their roles still need to be studied. Here, research showing the link among dysfunctional immune cells and AD pathophysiology are reviewed in this project. In addition, the potential treatment and therapeutics target for AD are also discussed.

Effect of number of lysine motifs on the bactericidal and hemolytic activity of short cationic antimicrobial peptides.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are vital components of the nonspecific immune system that represent a promising broad-spectrum alternative to conventional antibiotics. Several short cationic antimicrobial peptides show highly effective antibacterial activity and low hemolytic activity, which are based on the action of a few critical amino acids, such as phenylalanine (F) and lysine (K). Previous studies have reported that Fmoc-based phenylalanine peptides possess appreciable antibacterial potency against Gram-positive bacteria, but their ability to kill Gram-negative bacteria was suboptimal. In this study, we designed and prepared a series of Fmoc-KnF peptide (n=1-3) series by adding lysine motifs to strengthen their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The effect was investigated that the amount of lysine in Fmoc-F peptides on their antibacterial properties and hemolytic activities. Our results showed that the Fmoc-KKF peptide holds the strongest antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and negative bacteria among all designed peptides, as well as low hemolytic activity. These results provide support for the general strategy of enhancing the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of AMPs through increased lysine content.

THE EFFECT OF IMMUNOSTIMULANTS FROM NATURAL INGREDIENTS ON VANAMEI SHRIMP (LITOPENAEUS VANNAMEI) IN INCREASING NON-SPECIFIC IMMUNITY TO FIGHT DISEASE

Vanamei shrimp Litopeneus vannamei is a commodity with high economic value. Shrimp is Indonesia's main export commodity. The high value of sales and production of vanamei shrimp is constrained by the many disease attacks in the vanamei shrimp farming industry. An alternative solution that has been continuously researched for several years to combat shrimp disease is using immunostimulants from natural ingredients. Using natural ingredients for immunostimulants can increase the non-specific immunity of vanamei shrimp to ward off disease and be environmentally friendly. Immunostimulants can be administered orally, by immersion, or by injection. Immunostimulants from natural ingredients such as spirulina platensis, polysaccharides from seaweed such as carrageenan, sodium alginate, and fucoidan, extracts from red seaweed, as well as the use of polysaccharides from the bacterium Nodulisporium sp. KT29, Trichoderma sp. able to increase the non-specific immune system in L. vannamei shrimp. These immunostimulants increase non-specific immunity, such as total hemocyte count, phagocytosis activity, phenoloxidase, phagocytic, respiratory burst, superoxide dismutase, and total plasma protein. Immunostimulants from these natural ingredients can also fight infectious disease attacks.

Effect of Oral Immunostimulation of Humpback Grouper (Cromileptes altivelis) in Increasing Non-specific Immunity to Fight Disease (Review)

Cromileptes altivelis humpback grouper is a commodity with high economic value. Humpback grouper is Indonesia's main export commodity. The high value of sales and production of humpback grouper is constrained by the many disease attacks in the humpback grouper aquaculture industry. An alternative solution that has been continuously researched for several years to tackle humpback grouper disease is the use of immunostimulants. The use of immunostimulants orally can increase non-specific immunity of humpback grouper to ward off disease attacks and is environmentally friendly. Immunostimulants such as Lactococcus lactis HNL12, Lactococcus lactis HNL12 combined with Schizochytrium limacinum (algae flour), Peptidoglycan, Phycocyanin (Spirulina platensis), Bacterium, Vitamin C, Chromium Yeast, Commercial Yeast can enhance the non-specific immune system in humpback grouper (Cromileptes altivelis). These immunostimulants increase non-specific immunity such as Respiratory burst Activity (RB), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lysozyme (LZM), Phagocytosis Activity, Phagocytosis Index, Total leukocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, serum protein, albumin and globulin, total erythrocytes, haemoglobin, hematocrit. These immunostimulants can also prevent attacks of Vibriosis disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio algynoliticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus as well as Viral Necrosis Virus (VNN) disease by increasing the survival rate compared to fish that are not given immunostimulants.Keywords: cromileptes altivelis, immunostimulant, non-specific immunity, fish disease

POTENTIAL USE OF BROWN ALGAE AS AN IMMUNOSTIMULANT MATERIAL IN THE AQUACULTURE FIELD TO INCREASE NON-SPECIFIC IMMUNITY AND FIGHT DISEASE

The aquaculture field continues to grow from year to year. This is because aquaculture fulfills the world's food needs. Aquaculture intensification continues. As a result of this intensification, the aquaculture environment experienced a decrease in water quality. This led to the rapid growth of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, resulting in a high incidence of disease outbreaks. An alternative solution that has been extensively researched recently is using immunostimulants to increase the non-specific immunity of fish and shrimp, which will help fish and insects prevent disease outbreaks. One of the natural ingredients that have the potential to become an immunostimulant is from the brown algae group. Immunostimulants from brown algae such as Hot-water Extract of Tropical Brown Seaweed, Sargassum cristaefolium, Sargassum glaucescens, Sargassum duplicatum, Sargassum wightii, Sargassum sp. Polysaccharides from seaweed, such as fucoidan extracts from brown algae, can enhance the non-specific immune system in shrimp Litopenaneus vannamei, Penaeus monodon, Fenneropenaeus indicus, and tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. These immunostimulants increase non-specific immunity, such as total hemocyte count, phagocytosis activity, phenoloxidase, phagocytic, respiratory burst, superoxide dismutase, and total plasma protein. Immunostimulants from brown algae can also fight bacterial disease attacks Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Streptococciasis, Streptococcus iniae, and White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) by increasing survival rate and can increase the growth and feed efficiency of cultivated commodities that are not given immunostimulants.

Perbandingan Kadar C-Reactive Protein Terhadap Fase Pemberian Obat Anti Tuberkulosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is produced in the body by the liver in response to inflammation caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. CRP as the main mediator of the non-specific immune system, and the concentration will increase to 1000 times higher than normal value in the event of tissue injury or infection. The aim of this study was to determine the comparison of CRP levels to the phase of anti-tuberculosis drug administration in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The study was conducted by cross sectional study with a semi-quantitative method in June - July 2020 in Purwokerto Community Lung Health Center. The number of samples as much as 24 TB patients which is 12 TB patients in 0 month and 12 TB patients in 6 months. Data were analyzed by Mann Whitney Test. The mean rank in 0 month was 18.08 with median (min-max) 12 (12-24) mg / dL, whereas mean rank for 6 months was 6.92 with median (mix-max) was 0 (0- 12) mg / dL. Serum CRP levels in pulmonary TB patients in the 0-month treatment phase are higher than CRP levels in the 6-month treatment phase (p = 0,000).

The Emerging Roles of Extracellular Chaperones in Complement Regulation

The immune system is essential to protect organisms from internal and external threats. The rapidly acting, non-specific innate immune system includes complement, which initiates an inflammatory cascade and can form pores in the membranes of target cells to induce cell lysis. Regulation of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is essential for normal cellular and organismal function, and has been implicated in processes controlling immunity and infection. Chaperones are key players in maintaining proteostasis in both the intra- and extracellular environments. Whilst intracellular proteostasis is well-characterised, the role of constitutively secreted extracellular chaperones (ECs) is less well understood. ECs may interact with invading pathogens, and elements of the subsequent immune response, including the complement pathway. Both ECs and complement can influence the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as other diseases including kidney diseases and diabetes. This review will examine known and recently discovered ECs, and their roles in immunity, with a specific focus on the complement pathway.

Microplastic-Contaminated Feed Interferes with Antioxidant Enzyme and Lysozyme Gene Expression of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Leading to Hepatopancreas Damage and Increased Mortality

Microplastic pollution can interfere with aquatic animal health and nonspecific immunity, increasing the potential for pathogen infection in crustaceans. However, the long-term effects of microplastics on crustacean immunity are less understood, especially regarding their toxicity in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Effects of high-density polyethylene microplastics (HDPE-MPs) in feed on the mortality rate, hepatopancreas, and nonspecific immune system gene expression of Pacific white shrimp are presented. The LC50 at day 28 of HDPE-MP exposure was determined as 3.074% HDPE-MP in feed. A significant upregulation of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) genes was observed in shrimp that were fed with 0.1 and 0.5% of HDPE-MP; then, they were downregulated significantly, except for the SOD gene expression of shrimp fed with 0.1% of HDPE-MP. The lysozyme (LYZ) gene was upregulated significantly in shrimp that were fed with 0.5, 1, and 3% HDPE-MP for 7 days and downregulated significantly in HDPE-receiving groups for at least 14 days. Significant histopathological changes in the hepatopancreas were observed in the treatment groups. The histopathological score of each lesion was correlated with the increase in HDPE-MP concentration. This study shows that the ingestion of HDPE microplastics can alter the expression of nonspecific immune system genes and damage the hepatopancreas in Pacific white shrimp.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Angiogenic Aattributes of Moringa olifera Lam. and its Nanoclay-Based Pectin-Sericin films.

Background: Inflammation is a strong reaction of the non-specific natural immune system that helps to start protective responses against encroaching pathogens and develop typical immunity against intruding factors. However, prolonged inflammation may lead to chronic autoimmune diseases. For thousands of years, medicinal plants have served as an excellent source of treatment for chronic pathologies such as metabolic diseases. Purpose: The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic potential of Moringa olifera Lam. extract (MO) and Moringa-loaded nanoclay films. Methods: The extract preparation was done through the maceration technique using absolute methanol (99.7%) and labelled as Mo. Me. Mo. Me-loaded nanoclay-based films were prepared by using pectin and sericin (Table 1). The in vitro studies characterized the film thickness, moisture, and phytochemical contents. The in vivo anti-inflammatory tests involved using a cotton pellet-induced granuloma model assay. In addition, the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was employed for angiogenesis activity. Results: The phytochemical analysis of the extract confirmed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and phytosterol. This extract contained quercetin in a large quantity. Cotton-pellet induced granuloma model study revealed a comparable (p > 0.05) effect of a high dose of Mo. Me (500 mg/kg) as compared with standard drug. Noteworthy, data obtained through the RT-PCR technique manifested the dose-dependent anti-oedematous effect of Moringa olifera via downregulation of TNF-α and interleukin-1ß. The findings of the CAM assay exhibited a remarkable anti-angiogenic activity of Mo. Me loaded nanoclay films, showing diffused vasculature network in the macroscopic snapshot. Conclusion: Moringa olifera and its nanocomposite films have therapeutic potential against inflammation.

Effects of Alkalinity on the Antioxidant Capacity, Nonspecific Immune Response and Tissue Structure of Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis

The effects of various levels of alkalinity stress (0, 18.25, 35.41, 52.53 and 69.74 mmol/L) in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) were investigated by means of measuring hepatopancreas antioxidant system and serum nonspecific immune system-related indices at 0, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h, hepatopancreas tissue structure at 96 h. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in each concentration group generally showed a trend of a first increasing and then decreasing during the 96-h stress process (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the blank group during this period (p > 0.05). The activities of CAT, GSH and AST in all treatment reached peak values at 24–48 h. At 96 h of alkalinity stress, the activities of GSH, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), acid phosphatise (ACP) and alkaline phosphatise (AKP) in the 18.25 mmol/L group were not significantly different with the control group (p > 0.05). The activities of SOD and CAT in the 52.53 and 69.74 mmol/L treatment were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05), and the level of total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC), ALT, ACP and AKP in the 69.74 mmol/L group were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). Hepatopancreatic histological observation showed that the hepatopancreas of E. sinensis in the control group was normal. With increasing alkalinity, the basal membrane of the hepatopancreas fell off or even ruptured. Additionally, the number of hepatopancreas vacuoles increased, the volume of B cells and their internal transport vesicles increased, epithelial cells disintegrated, and the nucleus gradually shrank. E. sinensis can activate antioxidant and nonspecific immune systems to adapt to alkalinity stress. However, oxidative stress, immune system damage and hepatopancreas structure damage were caused when the stress exceeded the adaptive capacity of the body.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Vitamin C and E on Non-Specific Immune Parameters in fishes: A Review

Aquaculture has been fastest growing industry for several decades that include fish and shellfish production. Culture of fishes in narrow space or uncontrolled production becomes the reason of various infectious diseases in fishes. So, prevention from diseases and increasing immunity is important for healthy production. There are many ways in which immunity may be enhanced like use of antibiotics and vaccines in fishes. The use of antibiotics is not very successful and vaccination is an expensive method, so there is need of eco-friendly and less expensive method. Immunostimulants are chemical compounds that activate the innate or non-specific immune system of fishes by activating the cells of immune system. Several vitamins like vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol) and vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) act as an immunostimulant. Vitamin E is a fat soluble compound that enhances the growth, reproduction and survival by increasing the non-specific immunity. It also acts as an antioxidant by controlling the production of free-radicals. Vitamin C is also essential for fish growth, health and survival. It enhances the phagocytosis, serum haemolytic activity, complement activity and proliferation of immune cells. In past few years, stabled beneficial effects of immunostimulants in fishes promoted their application for disease management in aquaculture practice. As we have taken up similar study on the effects of vitamins as natural immunostimulants on Asian, catfish Clarias batrachus, so, this review is an attempt to throw light on the role of Vitamin C and Vitamin E as an immunostimulants in fish culture.

Histopathological Observation of Aeromonas hydrophila Infection and Influences on Immune-related Enzyme Activity Indexes in Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov.

Bacterial sepsis caused by Aeromonas hydrophila infection is one of the most common infectious diseases of Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov. It has characteristics of quick onset, high morbidity, and high mortality. Bacterial sepsis has become an important constraint against the industrialization of aquaculture of Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov. In this study, Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov. were immersed in 1.0×109 CFU/mL Aeromonas hydrophila for infection, the cumulative mortality at 1d, 3d, 5d, 7d and 14d were 10%, 26.67%, 40%, 40% and 40%, respectively. After being challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila, hemorrhage focus and suppuration were observed on the body surface, pelvic fin, anal fin, and tail fin base of Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov. Dissecting Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov., blackening of the spleen and hemorrhage at the liver were discovered at 3d after being infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Through tissue section observation, liver tissue was found to have to hemorrhage focus, and vacuolated liver cells, accompanied by inflammatory cell penetration. Inflammatory cell infiltration was also observed in spleen tissues and was most serious at 3d day after infection. After being infected with Aeromonas hydrophila, the gill filaments of Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov. were deformed and shortened, gill filament cells fell off, intestinal villi are shortened and mucus cells are increased. After Aeromonas hydrophila infection to Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov., the lysozyme content and activities of catalase, alkaline phosphatase, and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in the liver began to increase significantly after the first day and reached a peak on the third day. However, they began to decrease gradually on the fifth day. The acid phosphatase (ACP) activity increased dramatically after the first day, peaked on the fifth day, and then decreased on the seventh day. It is speculated that such changes were attributed to the following two aspects: 1) On the one hand, Aeromonas hydrophila infection stimulates the nonspecific immune system of Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov. 2) On the other hand, lesion of tissues occurs after Aeromonas hydrophila infection of Carassius auratus indigentiaus subsp. Nov. reaches a certain extent, thus influencing lysozyme content and the catalase activities, ACP, alkaline phosphatase and T-SOD in the liver.

Full-Length Transcriptome Analysis Provides New Insights Into the Diversity of Immune-Related Genes in Portunus trituberculatus.

Generally, invertebrates were thought to solely rely on their non-specific innate immune system to fight against invading microorganisms. However, increasing studies have implied that the innate immune response of invertebrates displayed diversity and specificity owing to the hyper-variable immune molecules in organisms. In order to get an insight into the diversity of immune-related genes in Portunus trituberculatus, a full-length transcriptome analysis of several immune-related tissues (hemocytes, hepatopancreas and gills) in P. trituberculatus was performed and the diversity of several immune-related genes was analyzed. The full-length transcriptome analysis of P. trituberculatus was conducted using a combination of SMRT long-read sequencing and Illumina short-read sequencing. A total of 17,433 nonredundant full-length transcripts with average length of 2,271 bp and N50 length of 2,841 bp were obtained, among which 13,978 (80.18%) transcripts were annotated. Moreover, numerous transcript variants of various immune-related genes were identified, including pattern recognition receptors, antimicrobial peptides, heat shock proteins (HSPs), antioxidant enzymes and vital molecules in prophenoloxidase (proPO)-activating system. Based on the full-length transcriptome analysis, open reading frames (ORFs) of four C-type lectins (CTLs) were cloned, and tissue distributions showed that the four CTLs were ubiquitously expressed in all the tested tissues, and mainly expressed in hepatopancreas and gills. The transcription of the four CTLs significantly increased in several immune-related tissues (hemocytes, hepatopancreas and gills) of P. trituberculatus challenged with Vibrio alginolyticus and displayed different profiles. Moreover, the four CTLs displayed distinct bacterial binding and antibacterial activities. The recombinant protein PtCTL-1 (rPtCTL-1) and rPtCTL-3 displayed bacterial binding and antibacterial activities against all tested bacteria. rPtCTL-2 only showed bacterial binding and antibacterial activities against V. alginolyticus. No obvious bacterial binding or antibacterial activities for PtCTL-4 was observed against the tested bacteria. This study enriches the transcriptomic information on P. trituberculatus and provides new insights into the innate immune system of crustaceans. Additionally, our study provided candidates of antibiotic agents for the prevention and treatment of bacteriosis.

Application of a multiplex urinalysis test for the prediction of intravesical BCG treatment response: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a live attenuated tuberculosis vaccine that acts as a non-specific immune system stimulant, is the most effective adjuvant treatment for patients with intermediate or high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, to date, there are no reliable tests that are predictive of BCG treatment response. In this study, we evaluated the performance of Oncuria, a bladder cancer detection test, to predict response to intravesical BCG.METHODS: Oncuria data was evaluated in voided urine samples obtained from a prospectively collected cohort of 64 subjects with intermediate or high risk NMIBC prior to treatment with intravesical BCG. The Oncuria test, which measures 10 cancer-associated biomarkers was performed in an independent clinical laboratory. The ability of the test to identify those patients in whom BCG is ineffective against tumor recurrence was tested. Predictive models were derived using supervised learning and cross-validation analyses. Model performance was assessed using ROC curves.RESULTS: Pre-treatment urinary concentrations of MMP9, VEGFA, CA9, SDC1, PAI1, APOE, A1AT, ANG and MMP10 were increased in patients who developed disease recurrence. A combinatorial predictive model of treatment outcome achieved an AUROC 0.89 [95% CI: 0.80–0.99], outperforming any single biomarker, with a test sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 84.9%. Hazard ratio analysis revealed that patients with higher urinary levels of ANG, CA9 and MMP10 had a significantly higher risk of disease recurrence.CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring the urinary levels of a cancer-associated biomarker panel enabled the discrimination of patients who did not respond to intravesical BCG therapy. With further study, the multiplex Oncuria test may be applicable for the clinical evaluation of bladder cancer patients considering intravesical BCG treatment.

Transcriptome analysis reveals potential key immune genes of Hong Kong oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection

Hong Kong oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) is one of the main species of economic shellfish cultivated in the coastal areas of southern China. The cultivation of this shellfish may be adversely impacted by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a harmful pathogenic bacterium for many mariculture species, as it usually exists on the surface of Hong Kong oysters. Although previous studies have discovered that oysters rely on non-specific immune system to fight pathogen invasion, the genes corresponding to the complex immune system against Vibrio is still not fully elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a transcriptome analysis on the gill from Hong Kong oysters at two time points (i.e., 12 h and 24 h after V. parahaemolyticus or PBS challenge) to identify potential immune genes against V. parahaemolyticus infection. A total of 61779 unigenes with the average length of 1221 bp were obtained, and the annotation information of 39917 unigenes were obtained from Nr, SwissProt, KEGG and COG/KOG. After a pairwise comparison between V. parahaemolyticus or PBS challenge at the two time points, three groups of differentially expressed genes induced by V. parahaemolyticus were captured and analyzed. GO and KEGG analyses showed that multiple immune-related genes played an important role in pathogen infection, including HSP70, PCDP3 and TLR4. Furthermore, genes annotation indicated that LITAF, TNFSF10, Duox2 and big defensin family are also involved in immune regulation. Our study provides a reference for further exploration the molecular mechanism that defenses the pathogen infection regarding the identified immune-related genes in Hong Kong oysters.

Vitamin D Supplementation and COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) happened due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. It is the third coronavirus causing a pandemic. Cases of COVID-19 have increased rapidly. Epidemiological studies show droplets as a medium of transmission of this virus. The high rate of transmission and the death rate create urgency on the management of COVID-19. Unfortunately, until now there is no definitive therapy for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several potential therapies, including antivirals, immunomodulatory agents, convalescent plasma transfusions, and supportive therapies such as vitamin D supplementation, have been applied in the management of COVID-19. As a hormone, vitamin D has an immunomodulatory effect used in supportive therapy for various immune-related diseases and respiratory system infections. The immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D are strengthening the physical barrier (cell junction), the specific immune system (adaptive immunity), and the non-specific immune system (innate immunity). Vitamin D is known to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, vitamin D also performs as a substantial part in the induction of ACE2 receptors which gives a weighty influence on pathogenesis of COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency can amplify the risk of infections including COVID-19. Presently, clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation and COVID-19 are limited. This literature review further examined the role of vitamin D supplementation in COVID-19.

Respon Imun Seluler Ayam Petelur Pascavaksinasi Avian Influenza Subtipe H5N1 Isolat dari Bali

Avian Influenza subtype H5N1 (AI-H5N1) is a malignant virus that is very detrimental to laying chickens because it is highly contagious and mutates easily. Prevention of AI-H5N1 disease in laying chickens is carried out by vaccination, therefore to maintain the quality of the vaccine, continuous research is needed. This study aims to determine the potential of AI-H5N1 vaccine isolates from Bali as measured based on cellular immune response based on total and differential leukocyte cells. Formation of antibodies is influenced by the nonspecific and specific immune system involving leukocytes, especially lymphocytes. Total of 40 layers of Novogen Brown strain were used for the research sample, kept since the age of one day on a commercial farm in Perean Village, Tabanan Regency, Bali. Laying chickens are vaccinated at 5 weeks of age by intramuscular injection. Total of 20 chikens were taken randomly and used for the sample. Blood draws were performed once pre-vaccination and five times each week after vaccination with anticoagulants. Total leukocytes were examined by an auto hematology analyzer, while differential leucocytes with thin blood smear stained with Giemsa. Total and differential leukocyte data were analyzed by means of the variance test followed by the Duncan test. Results showed that AI-H5N1 vaccination from Bali isolates could increase total and differential leucocytes of laying chickens and had significant effect on the mean total leukocytes, the absolute values of heterophyll cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, but had no significant effect on post-vaccination basophil cells.

Dietary lysine modulates growth performance, haemato‐biochemical indices, non‐specific immune response, intestinal enzymatic activities and antioxidant properties of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss fingerlings

The experimental trial was conducted to assess the appropriate utilization of dietary lysine (Lys) required for Oncorhynchus mykiss fingerlings. Six isonitrogenous (450 g/kg CP) and isoenergetic (20.90 kj/g GE) casein–gelatine based diets supplemented with varying concentrations of dietary Lys (14.0, 16.5, 19.0, 21.5, 24.0. and 26.5 g/kg, dry diet) were formulated. For each incremental level, all diets were randomly distributed in triplicate groups of 20 fish (1.79 ± 0.06 g/fish; 5.70 ± 0.42 cm/fish) and were fed in the morning and evening time (08:00 and 17:00 h) at the rate of 5% BW day−1. After the end of the trial, maximum live weight gain (355.21), protein efficiency ratio (1.69 g/kg), better-feed conversion ratio (1.31) and maximum body protein deposition were recorded at 21.50 g/kg increment of Lys in the diet. Highest body protein, lowest moisture and intermediate fat contents were noted in the fish fed 21.50 g/kg of dietary Lys containing diet, while body ash values did not show any significant (p ˃ .05) changes at each increment of Lys in the diets, except at lower increments, where highest ash content was observed. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) value was noted lowest in the fish fed with diets containing 21.50 g/kg Lys level, while haematological variables also exhibit considerable changes with the addition of each Lys inclusion level. Maximum haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct) and red blood cell (RBC) count were also noted at 21.50 g/kg Lys fed diet. Significant variations (p < .05) in plasma variables, non-specific immune system, intestinal enzymatic activities and antioxidant status were also observed in the fish fed with varying dietary Lys containing diets. However, cholesterol, triglycerides, amylase, lipase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) did not show any differences with respect to Lys inclusion levels. Our findings suggest that 21.60 g/kg dietary Lys, corresponding to 48.0 g/kg of dietary protein should be incorporated in the diet of rainbow trout for better growth and efficient nutrient conversion of this species, and also for the improvement in fish health. Collectively, this study indicated that an appropriate amount of Lys improve fish growth, haemato-biochemical parameters, immune response and digestive ability, and also up-regulate the antioxidant status.