Translocation of nanoparticles and Mycobacterium marinum across the intestinal epithelium in zebrafish and the role of the mucosal immune system.

Nano- and microparticles are promising carrier systems for oral delivery of drugs or vaccines, particularly in fish aquaculture. However, the mechanisms of uptake, trans-epithelial transport and immune response to nano/micrometer sized particles, or microorganisms such as bacteria are poorly understood in fish. Here, adult zebrafish were used to study the uptake of different nano- and microparticles and the pathogenic bacteria Mycobacterium marinum in the intestine, and their interactions with epithelial cells and the mucosal immune system.