Profiling gene expression in the spleen of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua upon vaccination with Vibrio anguillarum antigen

The mechanisms of physiological responses in Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua following vaccination with a heat-killed Vibrio anguillarum were investigated by transcriptome analysis of spleen tissues. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR of several genes involved in immune defense, inflammation, antioxidant defense and glucose transport were determined in vaccinated fish at 1, 3, 7 and 10 days after vaccination (dpv)and compared with sham-injected fish. Transcript levels of the selected genes involved in bacterial defense such as the bactericidal permeability-increasing protein/lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (BPI/LBP), g-type lysozyme and transferrin, were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) throughout the duration of sampling (1–10 dpv). There was differential expression of the genes involved in antiviral activity, cellular immunity, antioxidant defense and glucose transport, while the pro-inflammatory cytokines remained relatively unchanged in both the vaccinated and sham-vaccinated fish. The expressions of interferon stimulated gene-15 (ISG-15) and interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), which are involved in viral defense, were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) after vaccination. Likewise, the transcript levels of the non-specific cytotoxic cell receptor protein-1 (NCCRP-1) and granzyme A/K, which are components of the cell-mediated immunity were upregulated. Among the antioxidants, the transcript levels of catalase and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) significantly increased (P < 0.05) following vaccination, while glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) was enhanced among the genes involved in glucose transport. Our results indicate that the spleen of Atlantic cod is able to mount a potent physiological response through enhanced transcription of at least the mentioned genes, upon exposure to a bacterial antigen. These genes work synergistically to protect the fish during subsequent infection.