Effects of IFNγ administration on allograft rejection in ginbuna crucian carp

• Expression of IFNγrel 1 mRNA significantly increased during acute allograft rejection.
• Recombinant IFNγrel 1 administration increased T cells and sIgM+ cells in scale allografts and enhanced allograft rejection.
• Expression of IFNγ1, IFNγ2 and effector molecule mRNA was up-regulated by rgIFNγrel 1 administration.

In vertebrates, the rejection of allografts is primarily accomplished by cell-mediated immunity. We recently identified four IFNγ isoforms with antiviral activity in ginbuna crucian carp, Carassius auratus langsdorfii. However, involvement of the IFNγ isoforms in cell-mediated immunity, especially in T cell function remains unknown. Here we investigate expression of the IFNγ isoforms and effects of administration of recombinant IFNγ (rgIFNγ) isoforms in ginbuna scale allograft rejection. All four IFNγ isoforms showed significantly higher expression with the progression of graft rejection. Administration of rgIFNγrel 1 but not rgIFNγrel 2, rgIFNγ1 nor rgIFNγ2 enhanced allograft rejection. The number of CD4+ and CD8α+ cells increased in early stages of rejection, while sIgM+ cells were higher than controls at day 0 and 5 in the rgIFNγrel 1 administrated group. Expression of IFNγ1 and IFNγ2 mRNA was significantly up-regulated by rgIFNγrel 1 administration, while that of IFNγrel 1 and IFNγrel 2 was not. These results suggest different contributions of the four IFNγ isoforms toward the immune responses comprising allograft rejection.