Immune-relevant genes expressed in rainbow trout following immunisation with a live vaccine against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were immunised by intra-peritoneal injection using a live vaccine based on Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) theronts, which previously has shown protection against white spot disease. Samples were taken pre-vaccination and on Day 1, 7, 21 and 28 post-immunisation (p.i.). Expression of immune relevant genes in the liver, spleen and head kidney was monitored by qPCR. To describe the immune reaction following this immunisation, a series of genes encoding cytokines, complement factors, immunoglobulins and acute phase reactants were studied. Genes encoding acute phase reactants in the liver were up-regulated with serum amyloid A (SAA) as the most pronounced with a 2299-fold increase at 24 h p.i. Hepcidin and pre-cerebellin were also up-regulated in the liver 24 h p.i., by 7- and 4-fold, respectively. Complement factors C3, C5 and factor B (Bf) were up-regulated in the spleen and the head kidney 24 h and 28 d p.i. Genes encoding immunoglobulins were not up-regulated, but a specific low titer IgM response (titer 25) against parasite antigens was detected by a modified ELISA 4 wk p.i.