Abstract
The serine protease inhibitor cvSI-1, purified from plasma of eastern oysters, inhibited the proliferation of the protozoan parasite Perkinsus marinus in vitro. In situ hybridization located cvSI-1 gene expression in basophil cells of the digestive tubules and cvSI-1 expression measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was several hundred folds greater in digestive glands than in other organs examined or circulating hemocytes. cvSI-1 gene expression was also significantly greater in winter than in summer. Finally, cvSI-1 gene expression and plasma protease inhibitory activity in oysters selected for increased resistance to P. marinus were significantly greater than in unselected oysters. These findings support the hypothesis that cvSI-1 plays a role in eastern oyster host defense against P. marinus possibly through inhibition of parasite proliferation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 84-92 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Developmental and Comparative Immunology |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2010 Jan |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Bivalve mollusks
- Crassostrea virginica
- Dermo
- Disease resistance
- Genetic selection
- In situ hybridization
- Innate immunity
- Plasma protein
- Quantitative real-time RT-PCR
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology