Immune response of fishes to ciliates

摘要: Ciliates are highly evolved protists comprising a phylum of diverse species, many which opportunistic or obligate parasites. parasitic to fish consist salt and freshwater forms with endo- ectoparasitic modes infection. Some the more commonly encountered genera include Chilodonella, Brooklynella, Ophryoglenina, Ichthyophthirius, Cryptocaryon, Uronema, Tetrahymena, Epistylus, Trichodina. Species range from parasites commensals opportunistic, facultative forms. ciliates pathogenic fishes in closed environments such as aquaria farm ponds particularly susceptible high mortalities. Nevertheless, have an immune system capable mounting effective protective response against parasite challenge. Much experimental research on immunity has been carried out Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, that invades surface epithelia virtually all species. Interest I. multifiliis stems fact convalescent become resistant subsequent challenge (suggesting possibility immunoprophylaxis), need curtail severe losses caused by this intensively farmed fishes. Furthermore, proven be useful model because it is amenable study under laboratory conditions. In review cellular humoral factors involved both innate acquired covered natural killer cells, phagocytic antibody responses. Current ideas mechanisms antibody-mediated cutaneous discussed approaches toward development vaccines other ciliate presented.