Frontiers in Immunology (Jul 2015)

Transcription factor T-bet in Atlantic salmon: Characterization and gene expression in mucosal tissues during Aeromonas salmonicida infection

  • Jaya eKumari,
  • Jaya eKumari,
  • Zuobing eZhang,
  • Zuobing eZhang,
  • Trilochan eSwain,
  • Heng eChi,
  • Heng eChi,
  • Cuijuan eNiu,
  • Jarl eBøgwald,
  • Roy Ambli Dalmo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2015.00345
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6

Abstract

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The T-box transcription factor T-bet is expressed in a number of hematopoietic cell types in mammals and plays an essential role in the lineage determination of Th1 T-helper cells and is considered as an essential feature for both innate and adaptive immune responses in higher vertebrates. In the present study, we have identified and characterized the full-length Atlantic salmon T-bet cDNA (3502 bp). The putative primary structure of the polypeptide deduced from the cDNA sequence contained 612 aa, which possessed a T-box DNA binding domain. Phylogenetic study and gene synteny revealed it is a homologue to mammalian T-bet. Quantitative PCR analysis of different tissues in healthy fish showed that salmon T-bet gene was highly expressed in spleen, followed by head kidney, and was expressed in intestine, skin, and liver at lower levels. Moreover, the time dependent expression profile of T-bet, interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin-22 (IL-22), and NKEF (Natural killer enhancement factor) in mucosal tissues during waterborne infection with live Aeromonas salmonicida, indicated the involvement of T-bet in mucosal immune response in Atlantic salmon.

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