C-reactive protein/serum amyloid P promotes pro-inflammatory function and induces M1-type polarization of monocytes/macrophages in mudskipper, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris.

C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid P (SAP) play essential roles in the phagocytic cell-mediated innate immune response of mammals. In-depth studies into CRP and SAP have been completed in mammals; however, such studies, particularly those relating to the functions of CRP and SAP, are rare in fish species. In this study, a homolog of CRP/SAP (BpCRP/SAP) was identified in mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris), which had the typical characteristics of a fish short pentraxin protein.

MicroRNA-155 promotes pro-inflammatory functions and augments apoptosis of monocytes/macrophages during Vibrio anguillarum infection in ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis.

Upon recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns by pattern-recognition receptors, immune cells are recruited, and multiple antibacterial/viral signaling pathways are activated, leading to the production of immune-related cytokines, chemokines, and interferons along with further activation of the adaptive immune response. MicroRNAs (miRs) play essential roles in regulating such immune signaling pathways, as well as the biological activities of immune cells; however, knowledge regarding the roles of miRs in the immune-related function of monocytes/macrophages (MO/MΦ) remains limited in teleosts. In the present study, we addressed the effects of miR-155 on Vibrio anguillarum-infected MO/MΦ.

Toll-Like Receptors, Associated Biological Roles, and Signaling Networks in Non-Mammals.

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against pathogens, which is initiated by the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Among all the PRRs identified, the toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most ancient class, with the most extensive spectrum of pathogen recognition. Since the first discovery of Toll in , numerous TLRs have been identified across a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species.

Involvement of ayu NOD2 in NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways: Insights into functional conservation of NOD2 in antibacterial innate immunity.

Nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is a major cytoplasmic sensor for pathogens and is critical for the clearance of cytosolic bacteria in mammals. However, studies regarding NOD2, especially the initiated signaling pathways, are scarce in teleost species. In this study, we identified a NOD2 molecule (PaNOD2) from ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis).

Role of a macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) in regulating monocyte/macrophage functions in ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis.

Macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) plays essential roles in phagocytic cell-mediated innate immune responses. However, studies regarding MARCO, especially its functions, are limited in teleost species. In this study, we identified a MARCO molecule (PaMARCO) from ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis).

[Arbitrary primed polymerase chain reaction for the genotypic identification of Streptococcus sanguis group].

Objective: To find out an ideal method used in identification of Streptococcus sanguis group (SSG) strains by arbitrary primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR).

Methods: AP-PCR was used to distinguish SSG strains by designing 25 bp arbitrary primer 5' AAG AGA GGA GCT AGC TCT TCT TGG A 3'.

Results: There were great differences in the main band of DNA polymorphism among SSG species.