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