Three Mx genes with differential response to VNNV infection have been identified in Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Studies on the clinical symptoms, virus distribution, and mRNA expression of several antiviral immunity-related genes in grass carp after infection with genotype II grass carp reovirus

The viral hemorrhage disease caused by grass carp reovirus (GCRV) is a serious contagious disease of grass carp that mainly infects fingerlings and yearlings. Epidemiological studies have shown that GCRV genotype II is currently the prominent genotype. However, little is known about the histopathological characteristics, virus distribution, and expression of immunity-related genes in grass carp infected by GCRV genotype II. In this study, we found that grass carp infected by GCRV genotype II lost appetite, swam alone, and rolled, and their fins, eyes, operculum, oral cavity, abdomen, intestine, and muscles showed pronounced punctate hemorrhage. Congestion, swelling, deformation, thinning of membranes, dilatation and darkened color of nucleoli, cathepsis, erythrocyte infiltration, and vacuole formation were observed in some infected tissues. A qRT-PCR test showed that the 11 genome segments of GCRV had similar expression patterns in different tissues. The S8 segment, with unknown function and no homologous sequences, had the highest expression level, while the most conserved segment, L2, had the lowest expression level. GCRV particles were distributed in different tissues, especially in the intestine. In the infected intestine, the expression of various receptors and adaptor molecules was modulated at different levels. Pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression was 2160.9 times higher than that in the control group. The upregulation of immunity-related genes activated the antiviral immunity pathways. Therefore, the intestine might play a dual role in mediating GCRV infection and the antiviral immune response. This study provides detailed information about the pathogenicity of GCRV and expression of immunity-related genes, laying the foundation for further research on virus control and treatment.

Labeo rohita Mx1 exhibits the critical structural motifs of the family of large GTPases of mammals and is activated by rhabdovirus vaccination and bacterial RNA stimulations

Myxovirus resistance (Mx) proteins belonging to the dynamin superfamily of high molecular weight GTPases exist in various isoforms and play crucial role in innate immunity. In addition to the isoforms, Mx1 also plays important role in exerting its anti-viral actions against a broad range of animal RNA viruses. In rohu (Labeo rohita), mx1 full-length cDNA sequence consists of 2440 nucleotides (nt) encoding 628 amino acids (aa) polypeptide of 71.289 kDa. Structurally, it belongs to the family of large GTPases with one DYNc domain (13-257aa) comprising of dynamin family motifs (LPRGSGIVTR) and the tripartite GTP-binding motifs (GDQSSGKS, DLPG and TKPD) at the N-terminal and one GED domain (537-628aa) at C-terminus. Rohu Mx1 is closely related to zebrafish Mx1 and is widely expressed in gill, liver, kidney, spleen and blood. In response to rhabdovirus vaccinations, poly I:C stimulation and bacterial infections, mx1 gene expression in rohu was significantly (p < 0.05) induced in majority of the tested organs/tissues. Stimulation of rohu gill cell line with bacterial RNA also induced mx1 gene expression. Together these data suggest the important role of Mx1 in innate immunity in rohu against wide spectrum of fish pathogens.

Comparative analysis of marine and freshwater viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) isolates antagonistic activity

Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Virus (VHSV) isolates virulent to marine fish species can replicate in freshwater species, although producing little or no mortality. Conversely, isolates from freshwater fish do not cause disease in marine species. An inverse relationship between VHSV virulence and host mx gene up-regulation has been described for several fish species, suggesting that differences between the antagonistic activity exerted by these isolates might be involved in the outcome of infections. In this study, the antagonistic activity against the type I interferon system of two representative marine and freshwater VHSV isolates has been characterised using RTG-2 cells stably transfected with the luciferase gene under the control of the Senegalese sole mx (ssmx) promoter, RTG pssmx-luc cells. Both isolates exerted a dose-dependent negative effect on the activation of ssmx promoter, showing a notably different minimal viral dose to exert the antagonism. In particular, an inverse relationship between the minimal MOI required and the viral virulence to sole has been recorded, which suggests this parameter as a possible in vivo VHSV virulence marker. Furthermore, the quantification of the endogenous inf I, mx1 and mx3 mRNA has demonstrated differences between both isolates in their antagonistic activity. Besides, a different nv RNA kinetics, which seems to depend on specific cellular factors, has been recorded for both isolates. This knowledge could contribute to the development of efficient tools to fight against viral infections in fish farming. For that purpose, the RTG pssmx-luc cells may be a suitable in vitro tool to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying VHSV-host interactions.

Molecular characterization, constitutive expression and GTP binding mechanism of Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822) Myxovirus resistance (Mx) protein

Myxovirus resistance (Mx) proteins represents the subclass of the dynamin superfamily of large Guanosine triphosphates (GTPases), play esential role in intracellular vesicle trafficking, endocytosis, organelle homeostasis and mitochondria distribution. These proteins are key players of the vertebrate immune system, induced by type-I and type-III interferons (IFN) of infected host and inhibit viral replication by sequestering its nucleoprotein. In the present study, we report the sequencing and characterization of Cirrhinus mrigala Mx protein (CmMx) for the first time and observed its constitutive expression in different tissues for a period of fourteen days. The synthetic peptide, LSGVALPRGTGI, was dissolved in PBS and injected into a rabbit and the antibody raised against CmMx was used to study the level of its expression. The full length of the CmMx cDNA is 2244 bp with a molecular mass of 70.9 kDa and a predicted isoelectric point of 8.25. The 627 amino acids polypeptide formed of three main functional domains: N-terminal GTPase domain (GD), a middle domain (MD) and GTPase effector domain (GED) with carboxy terminal leucine zipper motif. The 3D models of CmMx protein was modeled based on available close structural homologs and further validated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. MD study revealed the importance of G-domain responsible for recognition of GTP, which perfectly corroborate with earlier studies. MM/PBSA binding free energy analysis displayed that van der Waals and electrostatic energy were the key driving force behind molecular recognition of GTP by CmMx protein. The results from this study will illuminate more lights into the ongoing research on myxovirus resistance protein and its role in inhibition of viral replication in other eukaryotic system as well.

CpG ODN 1668 induce innate and adaptive immune responses in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) against rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) infection

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) causes severe mass mortalities in rock bream in Korea. CpG ODN 1668 showed promise as immunoprotective agents against RBIV infection in rock bream. In this study, we assessed innate/adaptive-related gene expression patterns in RBIV-infected rock bream with and without CpG ODN 1668 administration to determine important immune defense related factors that may affect fish survival. In the CpG ODN 1668+virus-injected group, virus copies were more than 7.4- to 790591-fold lower than in the virus-injected group at 4 d (8.79 × 10⁴ and 6.58 × 10⁵/μl, respectively), 7 d (5.30 × 10² and 2.29 × 10⁷/μl, respectively) and 10 dpi (7.79 × 10¹ and 6.16 × 10⁷/μl, respectively). Furthermore, in the CpG ODN 1668+virus-injected group, significantly higher levels of MyD88 (6 h, 1 d, 4 d and 7 dpi), IL1β (1 d, 2 d and 7 dpi) and perforin/granzyme (1 dpi) expression were observed, whereas these genes were not significantly expressed in the virus-injected group at that time points. Mx, ISG15 and PKR were significantly highly expressed at 4 d and 7 dpi and reduced when low viral loads at 10 dpi in the CpG ODN 1668+virus-injected group. Conversely, in the virus-injected group, Mx, ISG15 and PKR expression were significantly higher than the control group until 10 dpi. However, MHC class I, CD8, Fas, Fas ligand and caspases (3, 8 and 9) expression levels showed no statistically significant differences between virus- and CpG ODN 1668+virus-injected group. In summary, CpG ODN 1668 administration in fish induces innate immune response or cell death pathway, which could be a major contributing factor to effective fish control over viral transcription on 4 d to 10 dpi. Expression of MyD88, IL1β, perforin and granzyme-related immune gene response is critical factor for inhibition of RBIV replication.

Protective immunity against rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) infection and TLR3-mediated type I interferon signaling pathway in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) following poly (I:C) administration

In this study, we evaluated the potential of poly (I:C) to induce antiviral status for protecting rock bream from RBIV infection. Rock bream injected with poly (I:C) at 2 days before infection (1.1 × 10⁴) at 20 °C had significantly higher protection with RPS 13.4% and 33.4% at 100 and 200 μg/fish, respectively, through 100 days post infection (dpi). The addition of boost immunization with poly (I:C) at before/post infection at 20 °C clearly enhanced the level of protection showing 33.4% and 60.0% at 100 and 200 μg/fish, respectively. To investigate the development of a protective immune response, rock bream were re-infected with RBIV (1.1 × 10⁷) at 200 dpi. While 100% of the previously unexposed fish died, 100% of the previously infected fish survived. Poly (I:C) induced TLR3 and Mx responses were observed at several sampling time points in the spleen, kidney and blood. Moreover, significantly high expression levels of IRF3 (2.9- and 3.1-fold at 1 d and 2 days post administration (dpa), respectively), ISG15 and PKR expression (5.4- and 10.2-fold at 2 dpa, respectively) were observed in the blood, but the expression levels were low in the spleen and kidney after poly (I:C) administration. Our results showed the induction of antiviral immune responses and indicate the possibility of developing long term preventive measures against RBIV using poly (I:C).

Humoral and cytokine responses in giant groupers after vaccination and challenge with betanodavirus

Giant groupers were immunized with two dosages (V_high and V_low) of inactivated nervous necrosis virus (NNV) and subsequently challenged with NNV at 4 weeks post vaccination (wpv). Several indicators were used to analyze the protective effects of the NNV vaccine. The neutralizing antibody titer of fish serum mostly corresponded to the survival rate of immunized fish in the NNV challenge test. Extravascular IgM⁺ cells were detected in the brains of both NNV-infected and noninfected groupers. After NNV infection, CD8α and IgM gene expression increased in the brains, indicating CD8α⁺ and IgM⁺ lymphocyte infiltration. Moreover, the NNV load was not the highest in dead grouper brains, suggesting that this load in the brain was not the key factor for the death of groupers. However, the brains of dead fish showed the highest expression of the interleukin (IL)-1β gene, a neurotoxic factor in the brain. Therefore, IL-1β overexpression is likely to be associated with the death of NNV-infected groupers.

Mx1 of black carp functions importantly in the antiviral innate immune response

Mx (myxovirus resistance) is an important antiviral protein in the innate immune responses of vertebrates to microbial pathogens. In this study, we cloned and characterized Mx1 of black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus). The full-length cDNA of black carp Mx1 (bcMx1) consists of 2781 nucleotides and the predicted bcMx1 protein contains 631 amino acids. bcMx1 contains a GTPase domain at the N-terminnus, a "central interactive domain" in the middle and a GTPase effector domain at the C-terminus. bcMx1 mRNA was constitutively transcribed in all tissues tested, including the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, intestine, muscle, skin and gill; and bcMx1 mRNA levels increased in all but the gill after grass carp reovirus (GCRV) or viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) infection. Quantitative PCR analysis of Mylopharyngodon piceus fin (MPF) cells indicated that bcMx1 mRNA levels increased after GCRV or SVCV infection at different multiplicities of infection (MOI). Western blotting demonstrated that the molecular weight of bcMx1 is ∼75 kDa and immunofluorescent staining data of both HeLa cells and EPC cells showed that bcMx1 is a cytosolic protein. EPC cells transfected with plasmid expressing bcMx1 showed increased antiviral activity against SVCV and GCRV. All our data suggest that bcMx1 is an antiviral protein in the innate immune response of the black carp.

Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) Mx gene promoters respond differentially to IPNV and VHSV infections in RTG-2 cells

The understanding of virus-host interactions relies on the knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of the type I interferon (IFN I)-stimulated genes (ISGs). Among ISGs, those coding Mx proteins play a main role due to their direct antiviral activity. The study of these genes in gilthead seabream is interesting, since this species displays high natural resistance to viral diseases, being asymptomatic carrier of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) and viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV). Gilthead seabream has three Mx genes (Mx1, Mx2, and Mx3), encoding proteins with a wide spectrum of antiviral activity. The structure of the three promoters (pMx1, pMx2 and pMx3) has been previously disclosed, and their response to poly I:C in RTG-2 cells characterized. To further analyze these promoters, their response to two viral infections has been evaluated in the present study. For that purpose, RTG-2 cells transiently transfected with the luciferase gene under the control of each promoter were inoculated with either IPNV or VHSV at two different doses. The highest and lowest fold induction values were recorded for pMx2 and pMx3, respectively. The promoter induction was always stronger after VHSV inoculation than in IPNV-inoculated cells. In addition, the higher dose of VHSV tested induced higher response of the three promoters, whereas in IPNV-infected cells the highest induction was recorded after inoculation with the lower viral dose. To further study the response of the Mx2 promoter, RTG-2 cells stably transfected with the luciferase gene under the control of pMx2 were stimulated with poly I:C and subsequently infected with IPNV or VHSV. Interestingly, IPNV infection inhibited the induction caused by poly I:C, suggesting an antagonistic activity of IPNV on Mx2 transcription. In contrast, VHSV infection did not alter the response triggered by poly I:C. These results highlight the specific regulation that controls the activity of each promoter, and support the existence of complex interactions between host cells, specific Mx promoters, and viruses, which are responsible for the final outcome of a viral infection.

Expression of Mx Gene in Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822) to OmpC Protein of Aeromonas hydrophila and Bacterial Infection

The aims of this study were to identify alternative myxovirus (Mx) stimulatory compounds in Cirrhinus mrigala and to characterize the kinetics and intensity of their stimulated responses by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Mx transcripts were measured in C. mrigala injected with Aeromonas OmpC (outer membrane protein) at a dose 0.4 mg/fish. At day 1, day 2, day 3, day 5, day 10, day 20 and day 30, samples were collected from kidney, spleen, liver, heart brain, gill, intestine and muscle for the study of Mx transcript and housekeeping gene β-actin. Similarly, Mx gene expression was also studied in Aeromonas hydrophila-infected fish for a period of 10 days. Mx/β-actin ratio was constitutively expressed from all the organs of OmpC-vaccinated fish. The expression was significantly highest (P ≤ 0.05) in spleen, followed by liver, kidney, intestine, gill, heart, muscle and brain. The expression was highest in day 2 except spleen (on day 3) and subsequently reduced up to day 30. Control fish also showed Mx expression. Similarly, A. hydrophila-infected fish showed Mx/β-actin ratio upregulated significantly in the spleen and kidney on day 5, liver on day 2 and intestine on day 3. This study revealed that OmpC of A. hydrophila and its infection could stimulate the antiviral Mx gene of C. mrigala.

Synergistic effects in the antiviral activity of the three Mx proteins from gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Due to their direct antiviral activity, Mx proteins play a main role in the response mediated by type I interferon against viral infections. The study on gilthead seabream Mx proteins is especially interesting, since this species is unusually resistant to viral diseases, being asymptomatic carrier of several viruses pathogenic to other fish species. Gilthead seabream has three Mx proteins (Mx1, Mx2 and Mx3) that, separately, display antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, showing interesting differences in their antiviral specificities. In this work, the possible synergy between the three Mx isoforms has been studied using in vitro systems consisting of CHSE-214 cells stably expressing two or the three gilthead seabream Mx proteins. The antiviral activity of these Mx combinations has been tested against the Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV), the Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Virus (VHSV), the European Sheatfish Virus (ESV) and the Lymphocystis Disease Virus (LCDV). A synergistic effect of the Mx proteins was only detected against ESV, no synergy was observed against LCDV, and a negative interference was detected against the two RNA viruses tested, IPNV and VHSV, as viral replication was higher in cells expressing certain Mx combinations than in cells expressing these proteins separately. These results suggest a functional interaction between gilthead seabream Mx isoforms, which results in a higher or lower antiviral activity depending on the virus tested, thus supporting the idea of complex virus-host interactions and finely tuned mechanisms controlling the antiviral activity of Mx proteins.

Characterization of the IFN pathway in the teleost fish gonad against vertically transmitted viral nervous necrosis virus

One of the most powerful innate immune responses against viruses is mediated by type I IFN. In teleost fish, it is known that virus infection triggers the expression of ifn and many IFN-stimulated genes, but the viral RNA sensors and mediators leading to IFN production are scarcely known. Thus, we have searched for the presence of these genes in gilt-head sea bream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), and evaluated their expression after infection with viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV) in the brain, the main viral target tissue, and the gonad, used to transmit the virus vertically. In sea bream, a fish species resistant to the VNNV strain used, we found an upregulation of the genes encoding MDA5 (melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5), TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1), IRF3 (IFN regulatory factor 3), IFN, Mx [myxovirus (influenza) resistance protein] and PKR (dsRNA-dependent protein kinase receptor) proteins in the brain, which were unaltered in the gonad and could favour the dissemination by gonad fluids or gametes. Strikingly, in European sea bass, a very susceptible species, we also identified, transcripts coding for LGP2 (Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology 2), MAVS (mitochondrial antiviral signalling), TRAF3 (TNF receptor-associated factor 3), TANK (TRAF family member-associated NFκB activator) and IRF7 (IFN regulatory factor 7), and found that all the genes analysed were upregulated in the gonad, but only mda5, lgp2, irf3, mx and pkr were upregulated in the brain. These findings supported the notion that the European sea bass brain innate immune response is unable to clear the virus and pointed to the importance of gonad immunity to control the dissemination of VNNV to the progeny--an aspect that is worth investigating in aquatic animals.

Disease resistance and immune-relevant gene expression in golden mandarin fish, Siniperca scherzeri Steindachner, infected with infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus-like agent

Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), family Iridoviridae, genus Megalocytivirus, may cause high mortality rates such as those seen in mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi. ISKNV has attracted much attention due to the possible environmental threat and economic losses it poses on both cultured and wild populations. We have investigated the pathogenicity of ISKNV-like agent Megalocytivirus, isolated from infected pearl gourami, in golden mandarin fish, Siniperca scherzeri - a member of the Percichthyidae family - and in another Percichthyidae species, S. chuatsi. Fish were challenged with four different doses of ISKNV-like agent Megalocytivirus (1, 10, 100 or 1000 μg per fish) over a 30-day period, and cumulative fish mortalities were calculated for each group. No significant mortality was observed for fish challenged with the lowest dose (1 μg per fish) relative to a control group. However, all other challenged groups showed 100% mortality over a 30-day period in proportion to the challenge dose. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to measure mRNA expression levels for six immune-related genes in golden mandarin fish following ISKNV-like agent challenge. mRNA expression levels for IRF1, Mx, viperin and interleukin 8 significantly increased, while mRNA levels for IRF2 and IRF7 remained constant or declined during the challenge period.

Influence of temperature on Mx gene expression profiles and the protection of sevenband grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus, against red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) infection after poly (I:C) injection

Influence of temperature on the susceptibility of fish against virus infection has been studied for a decade. Recent reports have been shown the effects of rearing temperatures on the fish immune system against virus infection. However, the roles of temperature in regulation of type I interferon (IFN) system has not yet been investigated. Thus, the effects of temperature on type I IFN response were investigated in this study using poly (I:C) injection in sevenband grouper and Mx gene was used as a marker for type I IFN expression. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) result showed that Mx expression profiles were moderately different between temperatures. The highly up-regulated Mx transcripts at 3 h post injection (hpi) were observed in high temperatures (25 °C and 30 °C) but not in low temperatures (15 °C and 20 °C). Meanwhile, low temperatures (15 °C and 20 °C) could detect the highly up-regulated Mx transcripts at 24 hpi. Expression of Mx transcripts was also observed at 72 hpi at 15 °C. Poly (I:C)-injected fish were challenged with RGNNV after 72 and 168 hpi. At 72 hpi, 100% of fish survived at all temperatures, whereas 95% survival rate was observed at 168 hpi at 25 °C during 14 days of observation. To further verify the duration period of an antiviral state at different temperatures, qPCR and endpoint dilution assay were used to quantify the number of virus in fish challenged with RGNNV. The reduction of viral copy numbers and viral titers could be observed at 72 and 168 hpi. However, high viral copy numbers and viral titers could be detected at 168 hpi at 30 °C. These results demonstrate that temperatures influenced on the Mx expression profiles and the duration period of an antiviral state efficiently interfered with virus replication at different temperatures.

Cloning and characterization of the Mx1, Mx2 and Mx3 promoters from gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Mx proteins are main effectors of the antiviral innate immune response mediated by type I interferon (IFN I). Actually, diverse Mx proteins from fish proved highly active against fish viruses, standing out among them the Mx1, Mx2 and Mx3 from gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), a species exhibiting a natural resistance to viral diseases. In this study, the structure and functional activity of their corresponding promoters (pMx1, pMx2 and pMx3) have been assessed. The three promoters present an identical 3' region of 157 bp, exhibiting a single canonical interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE), which is indispensible for the poli:IC induction of pMx1 and pMx3, while not for that of pMx2. In the remaining part of the three promoters other regulatory motifs were identified, as gamma IFN activated sites in variable number (1, 4 and 2 in pMx1, pMx2 and pMx3, respectively), as well as several independent GAAA elements or ISRE core sequences (13, 15 and 12 in pMx1, pMx2 and pMx3, respectively). The structural dissimilarities shown by the three promoters parallels with the differences observed in their response profiles, in terms of the time course of the induction, and basal and induced expression levels of each promoter. Altogether, these findings indicate that the expression of Mx1, Mx2 and Mx3 genes from the gilthead seabream might be specifically regulated, in accordance with the functional role of each Mx protein in the successful antiviral response shown by this species.

Mx proteins: antiviral gatekeepers that restrain the uninvited

Fifty years after the discovery of the mouse Mx1 gene, researchers are still trying to understand the molecular details of the antiviral mechanisms mediated by Mx proteins. Mx proteins are evolutionarily conserved dynamin-like large GTPases, and GTPase activity is required for their antiviral activity. The expression of Mx genes is controlled by type I and type III interferons. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that Mx genes are present in almost all vertebrates, usually in one to three copies. Mx proteins are best known for inhibiting negative-stranded RNA viruses, but they also inhibit other virus families. Recent structural analyses provide hints about the antiviral mechanisms of Mx proteins, but it is not known how they can suppress such a wide variety of viruses lacking an obvious common molecular pattern. Perhaps they interact with a (partially) symmetrical invading oligomeric structure, such as a viral ribonucleoprotein complex. Such an interaction may be of a fairly low affinity, in line with the broad target specificity of Mx proteins, yet it would be strong enough to instigate Mx oligomerization and ring assembly. Such a model is compatible with the broad "substrate" specificity of Mx proteins: depending on the size of the invading viral ribonucleoprotein complexes that need to be wrapped, the assembly process would consume the necessary amount of Mx precursor molecules. These Mx ring structures might then act as energy-consuming wrenches to disassemble the viral target structure.

Characterizations of two grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella HMGB2 genes and potential roles in innate immunity

High-mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) protein is a chromatin-associated nonhistone protein, involved in transcriptional regulation and nucleic-acid-mediated innate immune responses in mammalian. However, the function of piscine HMGB2 in innate immune responses is still unknown. In the present study, two HMGB2 homologue genes (CiHMGB2a, CiHMGB2b) were identified and characterized in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Both CiHMGB2a and CiHMGB2b genes encode proteins with 213 amino acids, sharing 71.4% identities and containing two basic HMG boxes and an acidic tail. The deduced protein sequences showed the most identities to HMGB2a (93%) and HMGB2b (86.4%) of zebrafish (Danio rerio), respectively. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that CiHMGB2a and CiHMGB2b were constitutively expressed in all the 15 tested tissues. Post grass carp reovirus (GCRV) infection, mRNA levels of CiHMGB2a and CiHMGB2b were strongly up-regulated in spleen and head kidney and mildly modulated in C. idella kidney (CIK) cells. Meanwhile, mRNA expressions of CiHMGB2a and CiHMGB2b were significantly regulated by viral pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) polyinosinic-polycytidylic potassium salt (poly(I:C)) and bacterial PAMPs lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN) challenge in CIK cells. In CiHMGB2a and CiHMGB2b over-expression cells, expressions of CiHMGB2a and CiHMGB2b facilitated each other; transcription levels of CiTRIF, CiMyD88, CiIPS-1 and CiMx1 were remarkably enhanced, whereas CiIFN-I was inhibited, compared with those in cells transfected with pCMV (control plasmid); after GCRV challenge, all those tested genes were up-regulated with divergent expression profiles. Antiviral activities of CiHMGB2a and CiHMGB2b were manifested by the delayed appearance of cytopathic effect (CPE) and inhibition of GCRV yield. All those results demonstrate that CiHMGB2a and CiHMGB2b not only mediate antiviral immune responses but also involve in responding to viral/bacterial PAMPs challenge, which provides novel insights into the essential role of HMGB2 in innate immunity.

Expression kinetics of key genes in the early innate immune response to Great Lakes viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus IVb infection in yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

The recently discovered strain of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, VHSV-IVb, represents an example of the introduction of an extremely pathogenic rhabdovirus capable of infecting a wide variety of new fish species in a new host-environment. The goal of the present study was to delineate the expression kinetics of key genes in the innate immune response relative to the very early stages of VHSV-IVb infection using the yellow perch (Perca flavescens) as a model. Administration of VHSV-IVb by IP-injection into juvenile yellow perch resulted in 84% cumulative mortality, indicating their high susceptibility to this disease. In fish sampled in the very early stages of infection, a significant up-regulation of Mx gene expression in the liver, as well as IL-1β and SAA activation in the head kidney, spleen, and liver was directly correlated to viral load. The potential down-regulation of Mx in the hematopoietic tissues, head kidney and spleen, may represent a strategy utilized by the virus to increase replication.

Pathogen-driven adaptive evolution of myxovirus resistance (Mx) genes in fishes

Myxovirus resistance (Mx) proteins, which belong to the dynamin super-family, are known to inhibit RNA viral replication in a wide range of taxonomic groups, including fishes. Given their crucial role in host immune defense, the key amino acid residues in the GTP effector domain (GED) near the C-terminus are expected to evolve adaptively in order to protect the host against invading viral pathogens. The present study reveals the role of recombination and positive selection in the evolution of Mx proteins in fishes. While the GTP-binding domain in the N-terminal domain has experienced purifying selection, several amino acid residues in GED have evolved under positive selection, thus indicating adaptive evolution. Given the antiviral activity of GED, the adaptive evolutionary changes that were observed in this region are therefore predicted to be pathogen-driven.

Effect of lipopolysaccharides from Vibrio alginolyticus on the Mx gene expression and virus recovery from gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) experimentally infected with Nodavirus

Infections with nodavirus affect a wild and farmed fish species throughout the world, mostly from the marine environment. The aim of this work was to determine the immune status of gilthead sea bream that comes as a result of a Nodavirus infection, induced by activation of the interferon response pathway by lipopolysaccharides from Vibrio alginolyticus and the expression of interferoninduced Mx protein in liver samples. The enhancement of Mx protein gene expression was detected in liver samples of experimentally nodavirus infected fish and, furthermore, the immunostimulant LPS of V. alginolyticus decreased almost three times the virus titration with respect to no-immunized or infected with nodavirus group of fish.

Protective roles of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella Mx isoforms against grass carp reovirus

Background

Myxovirus resistance (Mx) proteins are crucial effectors of the innate antiviral response against a wide range of viruses, mediated by the type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathway. However, the antiviral activity of Mx proteins is diverse and complicated in different species.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In the current study, two novel Mx genes (CiMx1 and CiMx3) were identified in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). CiMx1 and CiMx3 proteins exhibit high sequence identity (92.1%), and low identity with CiMx2 (49.2% and 49.5%, respectively) from the GenBank database. The predicted three-dimensional (3D) structures are distinct among the three isoforms. mRNA instability motifs also display significant differences in the three genes. The spatial and temporal expression profiles of three C. idella Mx genes and the IFN-I gene were investigated by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) following infection with grass carp reovirus (GCRV) in vivo and in vitro. The results demonstrated that all the four genes were implicated in the anti-GCRV immune response, that mRNA expression of Mx genes might be independent of IFN-I, and that CIK cells are suitable for antiviral studies. By comparing expression patterns following GCRV challenge or poly(I:C) treatment, it was observed that GCRV blocks mRNA expression of the four genes. To determine the functions of Mx genes, three CiMx cDNAs were cloned into expression vectors and utilized for transfection of CIK cells. The protection conferred by each recombinant CiMx protein against GCRV infection was evaluated. Antiviral activity against GCRV was demonstrated by reduced cytopathic effect, lower virus titer and lower levels of expressed viral transcripts. The transcription of IFN-I gene was also monitored.

Conclusions/Significance

The results indicate all three Mx genes can suppress replication of grass carp reovirus and over-expression of Mx genes mediate feedback inhibition of the IFN-I gene.

Nodavirus infection induces a great innate cell-mediated cytotoxic activity in resistant, gilthead seabream, and susceptible, European sea bass, teleost fish

Viral nervous necrosis (VNN) virus produces great mortalities in fish having susceptible and reservoir species between the most important marine aquaculture species. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) is considered, towards the interferon (IFN), the most important mechanism of the immune response to fight against viral infections but it has been very scarcely evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the effects of VNNV infection in the reservoir gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and susceptible European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Firstly, after experimental infection we found mortalities in the sea bass (55%) but no in the seabream. Moreover, VNN virus replicates in the brain of both species as it was reflected by the high up-regulation of the Mx gene expression. Interestingly, the head-kidney leucocyte cell-mediated cytotoxic activity was significantly increased in both species reaching highest activity at 7 days: 3.65- and 2.7-fold increase in seabream and sea bass, respectively. This is supported by the significant up-regulation of the non-specific cytotoxic cell receptor (NCCRP-1) in the two fish species. By contrast, phagocytosis was unaffected in both species. The respiratory burst was increased in seabream 7 days post-infection whilst in sea bass this activity was significantly decreased at days 7 and 15. Our results demonstrate the significance of the CMC activity in both gilthead seabream and European sea bass against nodavirus infections but further studies are still needed to understand the role of cytotoxic cells in the antiviral immune response and the mechanisms involved in either reservoir or susceptible fish species.

Viral nervous necrosis virus persistently replicates in the central nervous system of asymptomatic gilthead seabream and promotes a transient inflammatory response followed by the infiltration of IgM+ B lymphocytes

The viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV) is the causal agent of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER), a worldwide fish disease that is responsible for high mortality in both marine and freshwater species. Infected fish suffer from encephalitis, which leads to abnormal swimming behavior and extensive cellular vacuolation and neuronal degeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) and retina. The marine fish gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) does not develop VER but it is an asymptomatic carrier of VNNV. In this study, we report that VNNV was able to replicate and persist for up to 3 months in the CNS of the gilthead seabream without causing any neural damage. In addition, we found an early inflammatory response in the CNS that was characterized by the induction of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines, a delayed but persistent induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the infiltration of IgM(+) B lymphocytes, suggesting that local adaptive immunity played a major role in the control of VNNV in the CNS of this species.

Antiviral effects of β-defensin derived from orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Defensins are a group of small antimicrobial peptides playing an important role in innate host defense. In this study, a β-defensin cloned from liver of orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides, EcDefensin, showed a key role in inhibiting the infection and replication of two kinds of newly emerging marine fish viruses, an enveloped DNA virus of Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), and a non-enveloped RNA virus of viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV). The expression profiles of EcDefensin were significantly (P < 0.001) up-regulated after challenging with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), SGIV and Polyriboinosinic Polyribocytidylic Acid (polyI:C) in vivo. Immunofluorescence staining observed its intracellular innate immune response to viral infection of SGIV and VNNV. EcDefensin was found to possess dual antiviral activity, inhibiting the infection and replication of SGIV and VNNV and inducting a type I interferon-related response in vitro. Synthetic peptide of EcDefensin (Ec-defensin) incubated with virus or cells before infection reduced the viral infectivity. Ec-defensin drastically decreased SGIV and VNNV titers, viral gene expression and structural protein accumulation. Grouper spleen cells over-expressing EcDefensin (GS/pcDNA-EcDefensin) support the inhibition of viral infection and the upregulation of the expression of host immune-related genes, such as antiviral protein Mx and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. EcDefensin activated type I IFN and Interferon-sensitive response element (ISRE) in vitro. Reporter genes of IFN-Luc and ISRE-Luc were significantly up-regulated in cells transfected with pcDNA-EcDefenisn after infection with SGIV and VNNV. These results suggest that EcDefensin is importantly involved in host immune responses to invasion of viral pathogens, and open the new avenues for design of antiviral agents in fisheries industry.