Universal Vibrio antigens stimulate shrimp immunity and protect shrimp against pathogenic Vibrio infection
Papawee Pumpothong1, Piyachat Poodinsai1, Piyachat Sanguanrat1, Suwimon Paimeeka1, Gun Srijuntongsiri2, Suparat Taengchaiyaphum1, Prapatsorn Wongkhaluang1, Thanaporn Wongpim1, Aroonrat Pharapirom1, Andrea Nathaly Pardo1, Wichai Pornthanakasem1, Pinpunya Riangrungroj1, Wananit Wimuttisuk1, Ubolsree Leartsakulpanich1, Kallaya Sritunyalucksana1, Warangkhana Songsungthong1
1 National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, Thailand
2 School of Information, Computer, and Communication Technology (ICT), Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Pathogenic Vibrio species, including V. parahaemolyticus, V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus, and V. vulnificus, cause billions of dollar in economic losses in shrimp aquaculture through diseases like Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), white feces syndrome, and Translucent Post larvae Disease (TPD) [1]. These bacteria can also infect humans, leading to illnesses ranging from food poisoning to life-threatening septicemia. Antibiotics may be used to prevent or treat bacterial disease in aquaculture systems. However, overuse and misuse of antibiotics coupled with inadequate wastewater management could contribute to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens overall One Health.
To reduce reliance on antibiotics, immune stimulants are promising alternatives with potential to boost shrimp immunity and reduce disease severity. Even though shrimp lacks mammalian-like adaptive immunity (T cells, B cells, and antibodies), shrimp possess immune priming mechanisms which uses pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to recognize Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs), leading to downstream immune genes activation and disease protection [2]. In this study, we investigated whether universal Vibrio antigens can serve as immune stimulant in shrimp and provide broad protection against Vibriosis. Using an in-house genome analysis platform to analyze hundreds of genomes from four pathogenic Vibrio species mentioned above, we identified several highly conserved surface proteins as “universal antigen candidates.”
The proteins were expressed in E. coli, affinity-purified, and tested for immune stimulation. When injected intramuscularly into juvenile shrimp, the antigens can stimulate phagocytic activity and prophenoloxidase activity. Higher survival rate was observed in treated shrimp challenged with an AHPND causing strain of V. parahaemolyticus. When post larvae shrimp were immersed with an antigen for 2 hours, immune genes were boosted and higher survival rates were observed upon challenge with the four Vibrio species. In conclusion, universal Vibrio antigens can serve as immune stimulants in shrimp and provide broad protection against Vibrio challenge.
References
1. Novriadi, R., Vibriosis in aquaculture. Journal of Fisheries and Marine Research, 2016. 12(1).
2. Ackerly, D., et al., Rethinking Disease Control in Aquaculture Invertebrates: Harnessing Innate Immunity in Molluscs and Crustaceans. Pathogens, 2026. 15(2): p. 168.
