Journal Article
The cavefish Triplophysa rosa has a well-developed adaptive immune system: Evidence from histological and comparative genomic analysis
Ni, L., Jin, L., Zeng, M., Xu, Y., Wang, Y. and Peng, Z.
Record Number:
6318
Year:
2024
Journal:
Aquaculture
Pages:
1-16
Volume:
581 740395
Abstract:
The long-term impact of limited and species-specific antigen exposure on immune system evolution is not well
understood. Herein, we conducted histological and comparative genomic analyses using the cavefish Triplophysa
rosa in order to investigate how restricted antigen exposure influences the evolutionary path of the vertebrate
immune system. The histology and cellular characteristics of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (gills, skin, and
intestines) and the major immune organs (spleen, head kidney, and thymus) of T. rosa were systematically
investigated. Histological studies showed that T. rosa had intact immune organs (tissues) and a well-developed
adaptive immune system. Our findings suggested that the immune system might have evolved due to the nondegradation
of the thymus, which may be an adaptation to the cave environment. A comparative genomic
analysis of T. rosa and surface fish was carried out to explore the evolutionary adaptiveness of their immune
systems and the potential genomic changes arising from thymus non-degeneration. The analysis revealed that
T. rosa developed an efficient adaptive immune system due to the expansion of genes related to T-cell activation
and differentiation, consistent with the histological results. Achievement of well-developed adaptive immunity
through a limited number of fixed antigens in a cave environment could confer long-term protection against
pathogens, highlighting it as a beneficial survival strategy for cavefish. Our findings could provide new ideas for
further research on immunity in cavefish.
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species: