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

• Published in: Frontiers in Immunology
• Main Authors: Jaya eKumari, Zuobing eZhang, Trilochan eSwain, Heng eChi, Cuijuan eNiu, Jarl eBøgwald, Roy Ambli Dalmo
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2015
• Subjects: Gene Expression; mucosal immunity; T-bet; Atlantic salmon; A. salmonicida; Immunologic diseases. Allergy; RC581-607
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2015.00345; https://doaj.org/article/77446ef82363472b9cac00ef7f88b0e0

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.