Increased immunogenes expression in redclaw crayfish infected with crayfish plague-like disease

Abstract

Aims: Aphanomyces astaci has been identified as the reason behind the crayfish plague, responsible for a high mortality rate not only to various crayfish species in Europe but also in several parts of South East Asia, including Malaysia. Thus, understanding the biological threats that could undermine the industry, such as the oomycete A. astaci and other infections are critical. This study was aimed to evaluate the expression of immune genes laminin and ferritin which plays significant roles in the immune system of the redclaw crayfish. Methodology and results: The expression levels of laminin and ferritin genes were determined by RT-qPCR on RNA extracted from three healthy and three infected redclaw crayfish. The levels of expression for each gene were quantified using the comparative method. Data output is expressed as expression level fold-change or fold-difference compared to an internal standard. Both laminin and ferritin genes were highly expressed in infected redclaw crayfish compared to the healthy. This suggested that laminin and ferritin play significant roles in the immune system of the redclaw crayfish. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Fungi like A. astaci that cause plagues have negligible symptoms that are simple to overlook, and the first sign of the infection may be death. The high expressions of laminin and ferritin throughout infection phases are indicative of crucial host defense mechanisms that prevent parasite development and safeguard immune cell function. These immunogenes additionally provide protection by reducing the generation of free radicals and mediating immunomodulation. A therapeutic intervention aiming at reducing inflammation in specimens may be recommended if their roles are thoroughly understood