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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Aquatic Animal Health Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #420395
Research Project: Integrated Research to Improve Aquatic Animal Health in Warmwater Aquaculture

Location: Aquatic Animal Health Research

Title: F. covae recombinant protein interactions impact efficacy of multivalent vaccine in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Author
item DESILVA, ASHLEY - Auburn University
item CHURCHMAN, EMILY - Auburn University
item Lange, Miles
item QUIROZ, VICTORIA - Auburn University
item Justice, Megan
item LILES, MARK - Auburn University

Submitted to: Autumn Immunology Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/22/2024
Publication Date: 11/22/2024
Citation: Desilva, A., Churchman, E.M., Lange, M.D., Quiroz, V.L., Justice, M.E., Liles, M.R. 2024. F. covae recombinant protein interactions impact efficacy of multivalent vaccine in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Autumn Immunology Conference Proceedings [ABSTRACT]. Autumn Immunology Conference Chicago, IL November 22-25, 2024.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Columnaris disease, caused by Flavobacterium covae, is a deadly bacterial disease that forms a biofilm on the gill tissues of its host, leading to ~11 million USD/year in losses for Alabama catfish production. Studies have shown that several proteins are upregulated during biofilm formation, making them potential vaccine candidates. Proteins of interest (FcP1 and FcP2) were cloned and expressed using E. coli machinery, then purified under native conditions. Channel catfish were injected intraperitoneally with the purified proteins (20 µg/mL), and 30 days post-inoculation, the vaccinated fish showed an increase in IgM antibody titers relative to control fish. Each fish then received a dose (1 µg/mL) of FcP1, FcP2, or both via bath immersion. Immersion with FcP1 or FcP2 provided significant protection against columnaris disease. However, the combination of both proteins was significantly less protective. It’s hypothesized that there are protein-protein interactions between FcP1 and FcP2 that negatively impact vaccine efficacy. Current work towards understanding these interactions will be discussed. These findings have the potential to help protect farmed fish against columnaris disease, as a benefit for the U.S. aquaculture industry.