Unraveling the host-parasite interaction: immune response in Oreochromis mossambicus to Cymothoa eremita (Isopoda, Cymothoidae) infection

Abstract

The host immune response of Oreochromis mossambicus during natural infection with the isopod Cymothoa eremita was investigated. The naturally infected shes were examined for enzyme pro le (Respiratory burst and Myeloperoxidase activity) and expression of immune-related genes viz., TLR 22, C3, TNF, TNF, IL-1B, CXCA and B-actin in tissues of various organs (buccal cavity, gills and anterior kidney). A signi cant reduction (P < 0.05) in Respiratory burst and Myeloperoxidase activity was observed in the parasite-infected shes when compared to the uninfected control shes. In the buccal cavity, the expression of the immune-related genes was signi cantly (P < 0.05) upregulated. Whereas, all the genes except IL-B were signi cantly (P < 0.05) upregulated in the anterior kidney. In the case of gill tissue, the expressed genes showed a uctuating type of regulation. The immunological responses in O. mossambicus to an isopod infection have not been investigated in detail so far and this is the rst study unveiling such insights. Hence this study will help to improve our molecular understanding of the host immune response to parasitic isopod infection.