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Viral immunity and vaccines

In our research group we investigate innate immune responses against viral disease and how immuno-stimulants can be used to enhance the effect of vaccines against disease in finfish aquaculture. We also have an interest in how diet influence the immune system and inflammation status in fish tissues. 

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Salmon cells infected with IPN virus (red)

About our research

Repeated outbreaks of a number of viral diseases in finfish aquaculture both reduce animal welfare and economic results every year. Due to good vaccines against bacterial disease the use of antibiotics has been reduced dramatically since 1990. Vaccines against viral disease based on the same principles (inactivated pathogen formulated with a oil/water adjuvant) does not confer sufficient protection, so there is a strong demand for more knowledge about fish immunity against viral infections. We also study the effects of dietary fatty acids on immunity and inflammation

Projects

Innate immune responses against viral pathogens in fish

To gain more understanding about immune responses against pathogenic viruses we investigate biochemical and transcriptional changes in cell cultures infected with pathogenic viruses like ISAV, IPN, SAV3 and VHSV. By comparing these changes with alterations induced by various immunostimulatory agents like poly(I:C), LPS  and ODN we hope to identify agents(adjuvants) that can be used in more efficient vaccines against viral diseases.

 

Immunometabolomics

The dietary requirements for n-3 unsaturated fatty acids like EPA and DHA in Atlantic salmon are not firmly established. The effects of increased plant based raw materials for salmon feed are under scrutiny.  In mammals, obesity induce inflammation in adipose tissues and we are therefore analyzing the effects of these changes in dietary fatty acid profiles on innate immune responses and the inflammation status of adipose tissues in salmon. 

Toll like receptors (TLRs)

TLR are membrane proteins recognizing pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMP) leding to initiation of inflammatory signaling in the infected tissue or cell. Activation of the various TLRs induce specific transcriptional programs leading to secretion of cytokines and interleukins. In addition, TLR activation induce a range of effector molecules important for defense against the invading pathogen. Of particular interest for our group is TLR3 and its activation by double stranded RNA like poly(I:C). 

Vaccines based on nanoparticles

Existing vaccines against viral disease in fish does not provide sufficient protection. We are currently testing new formulations based on encapsulation of immunostimulatory agents like poly(I:C) in biodegradable nanoparticles made from PLGA or chitosan. Particles are efficiently taken up by macrophages and dendritic cells leading to enhanced effect of the stimulants and a possibility for targeted delivery of antigens. Encapsulating protein antigens in a matrix will also enable new routes of administration (like putting the vaccine into the feed) to be explored

 

Cooperation

We have an ongoing cooperation with scientists at University of Oslo (Kjemisk Institutt, Institutt for Biovitenskap) And groups at NMBU/NOFIMA. We are also member of ENOVA

Tags: virus, vaccines, adjuvant, aquaculture, salmon, zebrafish, ISAV, VHSV, IPNV, poly(I:C), chitosan
Published Mar. 17, 2015 1:35 PM - Last modified Oct. 16, 2023 10:29 AM

Contact

Professor Tor Gjøen

tor.gjoen@farmasi.uio.no

Participants

Detailed list of participants