The immune defense of Atlantic salmon against bacterial pathogens heavily depends on the innate immune response mediated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Among these receptors, the ddx41 gene (DEAD-box RNA helicase 41), known for its role as an immune sensor in humans to detect intracellular pathogens, had not been explored or characterized in salmon until now. A team of scientists based in southern Chile, involving researchers from various institutions and research centers, spearheaded by Dr. Alejandro Yáñez and Marcos Mancilla, a researcher affiliated with the FONDAP-INCAR Center and ADL Diagnostic Chile, in collaboration with researchers from the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh), Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB), Universidad Santo Tomás, TEKBios, and Melisa Institute, have uncovered and characterized the ddx41 gene in Atlantic salmon. This breakthrough underscores its importance in the immune response to bacterial infections such as Piscirickettsia salmonis and Renibacterium salmoninarum.
The findings underscore the evolutionary conservation of the protein identified through proteomics and the preservation of key structural motifs, such as the DEAD motif, which is essential for its function in immune defense. Based on these results, enhancing the function of the DDX41 gene could improve the immune system’s ability in salmon to detect and combat persistent bacterial infections. In the realm of vaccines, efforts could be directed towards seeking formulations that capitalize on the activation of DDX41 to deliver more effective protection against common pathogens in salmon farming. This could result in reduced mortality and improved overall fish health. Moreover, a detailed understanding of how DDX41 activates the immune response could lead to the development of new vaccines and treatments, offering more effective protection against common pathogens in salmon farming.
