Developmental and comparative immunology最新文献

{"title":"Oxidative Stress as a Double-Edged Sword in Invertebrate Resistance to WSSV: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Therapeutic Strategies.","authors":"Jing-Ru Liang, Yan-Hong Ye, Han-Yue Ming, Chun-Hong Lv, Xin-Yue Xu, Na-Na Wang, Xin-Yu Zhao, Zi-Ling Gao, Sen Xu, Wen-Ying Liu, Xiu-Xia Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105748","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dci.2026.105748","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) inflicts severe economic losses on global aquaculture and poses a grave threat to the farming of shrimp, crabs, and other invertebrates. This review synthesizes the molecular pathways through which WSSV infection induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the host; examines the dual role of oxidative stress, wherein moderate ROS contribute to antiviral defense while excessive ROS drive oxidative injury; and, drawing on the threshold effect concept established in mammalian studies, evaluates its applicability and limitations as a working hypothesis in invertebrate WSSV infection models. We consolidate the relatively well-characterized oxidative stress response pathways in penaeid shrimp and, based on the limited evidence available, explore potential differences in crabs, mollusks, and other taxa-highlighting the near absence of research on non-shrimp groups. We further identify key challenges and controversies in the field, including incomplete elucidation of signaling pathways, the disconnect between experimental conditions and aquaculture environments, and pronounced species imbalance in research coverage. Finally, we prospect future research directions encompassing multi-omics dissection of molecular networks, application of antioxidants and ferroptosis modulators, and selective breeding for disease-resistant stocks, thereby providing a reference framework for antiviral research and disease management in aquaculture.</p>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":" ","pages":"105748"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149206699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative analysis of salmonid non-classical MHC class I U lineage genes: Promoter architecture and transcriptional responses with a focus on Atlantic salmon","authors":"Atefeh Kianian,&nbsp;Maryam Imam,&nbsp;Agata T. Gondek-Wyrozemska,&nbsp;Linn Greiner-Tollersrud,&nbsp;Eva-Stina Edholm","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In addition to highly polymorphic classical MHC class I genes, teleost fish also possess variable numbers of non-classical MHC class I genes, the functions of which are largely unknown. This work focuses on genes belonging to the non-classical MHC class I U lineage revealing unique evolutionary and regulatory patterns across salmonids, indicative of sub-clade specific and diversified functional roles. Comparative analysis of a total of 175 salmonid U lineage genes supported a classification into seven subclades following one of two main evolutionary patterns indicative of different selective pressures. Genes belonging to the ULA, UC/DA, UFA, and UZA sub-clades exhibited variable degrees of species-specific diversification, characterized by gene duplications, gene loss and pseudogenization. In contrast, the UGA, UEA, and UHA sub-clades have remained conserved, with minimal sequence divergence across divergent species, suggesting functional constraints. Notably, the UGA subclade represents a striking example of conservation across divergent salmonid species. Promoter analyses of the U lineage subclades revealed two main regulatory architectures: <em>i)</em> overall conserved promoter elements similar to the UBA gene in ULA, UFA, and UZA, implying shared transcriptional regulation; and <em>ii)</em> divergent promoters in UGA, UEA, UC/DA and UHA suggesting diversified regulatory mechanisms. Expression profiling further supported functional diversity, revealing non-classical U lineage subclade specific expression patterns and variable expression levels. While non-classical U lineage genes, as a group, showed limited response to stimulation with viral mimics, subclade specific responses were observed following infection with salmon alpha virus 3 (SAV3) and in response to interferon stimulation. Similar to the classical UBA gene, UGA and, to a lesser extent, UHA transcript expression levels were upregulated in response to stimulation with either type I IFNa1 or type II IFNγ, as well as in response to SAV3 infection but not to IFNc stimulation. In contrast, UC/DA and UEA genes showed minimal response to interferon stimulation or SAV3 challenge. Combined, these findings underscore the adaptability and complexity of the salmonid MHC class I system and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the diversification of salmonid MHC class I genes, offering valuable insights into the variation, regulation, and potential roles of these genes in salmonid immunity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 105650"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148223986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immune and protective effects of recombinant multi-epitopes vaccine against infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus in pearl gentian grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatus)","authors":"Xinxin Liu ,&nbsp;Yun Sun ,&nbsp;Zikai He ,&nbsp;Bo Li ,&nbsp;Wenye Song ,&nbsp;Hongli Liu ,&nbsp;Caoying Wei ,&nbsp;Ying Wu ,&nbsp;Zhenjie Cao ,&nbsp;Chen Zhang ,&nbsp;Yongcan Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105570","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105570","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The capsid protein (CP), the primary structural component and key antigen of infectious spleen kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), remains poorly characterized in terms of its antigenic epitopes. These epitopes, typically ∼20 amino acid residues in length, are specific chemical groups determining antigenic specificity. To address this gap, we employed immunoinformatics to analyze CP epitopes. Subsequently, a multi-epitope vaccine targeting ISKNV (MEV) was designed, constructed, and screened. Immune response evaluation revealed that the predicted three T lymphocyte and five B lymphocyte epitopes exhibited antigenicity, non-toxicity, and non-allergenicity. Fusion of these epitopes yielded the MEV vaccine. In grouper trials, MEV vaccination significantly upregulated mRNA expression of immune-related genes (<em>IL-1β</em>, <em>TNF-α</em>, <em>CD4</em>, <em>CD8α</em>, <em>MHC-</em>Iα, <em>MHC-</em>IIα) and markedly increased total IgM levels, indicating induction of both cellular and humoral immunity. Crucially, MEV conferred significantly higher resistance against ISKNV challenge compared to CP immunization, achieving 85.33% survival rate. Furthermore, MEV vaccination significantly reduced viral loads in the spleen and head kidney. This study presents an economical, rapid, safe, and effective strategy for aquatic vaccine development, positioning MEV as a highly promising candidate for preventing infectious spleen kidney necrosis disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":"177 ","pages":"Article 105570"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146161895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oxidative stress and immune responses in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) under ozone nanobubbles exposure","authors":"Phan Trong Binh ,&nbsp;Phan Thi Van ,&nbsp;Nguyen Huu Nghia ,&nbsp;Nguyen Minh Quan ,&nbsp;Vu Thi Trang ,&nbsp;Pham Hong Nhat ,&nbsp;Pham Thai Giang","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105569","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105569","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ozone nanobubbles (NB-O₃) have recently emerged as a promising technology in aquaculture for improving water quality and disease control. However, their impacts on shrimp remain poorly understood, particularly regarding their effects on biochemical processes. This study evaluated the effects of NB-O₃ on growth performance, immune responses, oxidative stress, and HSP70 gene expression in whiteleg shrimp (<em>Penaeus vannamei</em>). Shrimp were cultured for 21 days in control and NB-O₃-treated tanks. Growth indices, water quality variables, total hemocyte counts (THC), antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), malondialdehyde (MDA), and HSP70 expression in hepatopancreas were assessed. Results showed that NB-O₃ significantly improved final body weight, weight gain, and average daily growth rate compared with the control (p &lt; 0.05). Water quality was enhanced in NB-O₃ tanks, with the reduction of NH₃-N, NO₂-N, COD, and Vibrio counts. THC increased markedly in the NB-O₃ group during the early experimental phase. Antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and GPx) were significantly elevated under NB-O₃ treatment, while MDA levels were lower at the end of the trial, indicating reduced oxidative damage. HSP70 expression in hepatopancreas peaked at day 1 in the NB-O₃ group, suggesting an instantaneous stress response, but declined thereafter, reflecting shrimp adaptation. These findings demonstrate that NB-O₃ improves water quality, enhances antioxidant and immune responses, and promotes growth in <em>P. vannamei</em>, supporting its potential application as a sustainable aquaculture technology. Overall, this study highlights NB-O₃ as an eco-friendly approach to enhance shrimp health and productivity in intensive culture systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":"177 ","pages":"Article 105569"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterizing p53 structural insights of variants in vertebrates that interfere its regulatory interaction with Mdm2","authors":"Umesh Kalathiya,&nbsp;Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska,&nbsp;Monikaben Padariya","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105554","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105554","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The tumor suppressor p53, transcriptionally regulates several target genes, and in the absence of cellular stress its basal protein levels are tightly regulated by Mdm2 (Murine double minute 2). Species with functional p53 are less prone to cancer, and in mammals this oncogene has a multifunctional role towards cancer tolerance. Herein, we examined naturally evolving p53 protein across vertebrates with its negative regulator, along with exploring their structural properties. Several mammalian species contain conserved p53 amphipathic α-helical BOX-I, DNA-binding domain (DBD), and basic domains, whereas <em>Loxodonta africana</em> (elephant) exhibits the lowest sequence similarities. Vertebrates with notable insertion in the DBD or disordered BOX-I regions gained a unique structural orientation, that can potentiate to escape Mdm2 negative regulation. Comprehending molecular details, we constructed an Mdm2 pharmacophore model that can interact with a specific set of p53 isoforms. To explore potential use of BOX-I derived linear motifs as peptidomimetic molecules targeting Mdm2 we assessed their binding affinity, as well as the effect of temperature over the p53-Mdm2 complex. Conformational changes adopted by p53 variants identify crucial residues within the FxxxW/GxxL motif. These residues face the Mdm2 pocket and may enhance binding affinity, even under thermal change. Mdm2 was found mutated heavily in carcinoma, and its variant can have a significant role when associating with p53. Our findings demonstrate a natural living model, to utterly contribute to the mechanistic understanding of the role of p53 in its activation, giving insight on structural properties aiming to target these biomarkers in cancer therapeutics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105554"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145997540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In mosquitoes, warmer temperature reverses the aging-dependent decrease in nitric oxide synthase activity, modifying the expression of oxidative stress and immune genes","authors":"Lindsay E. Martin,&nbsp;Norbu Y. Shastri,&nbsp;Tania Y. Estévez-Lao,&nbsp;Seokin Yang,&nbsp;Julián F. Hillyer","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105556","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105556","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In mosquitoes, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) are immune effectors, byproducts of metabolism, and regulators of homeostasis. However, imbalances in ROS and RNS cause oxidative stress. Given that warmer temperature accelerates the aging-dependent weakening of immunity, we hypothesized that temperature and aging interactively modify the production of ROS/RNS like nitric oxide, and their effects. We tested this in <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> by rearing mosquitoes at 27C, 30C and 32C, and assessing phenotypes at 1, 5, 10 and 15 days of adulthood. Using NADPH diaphorase staining, we show that, in mosquitoes infected with bacteria, warmer temperature increases the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS; produces nitric oxide), while aging decreases NOS activity. Importantly, during late aging, warmer temperature reverses the aging-dependent decline in NOS activity. By mining an RNAseq dataset, we uncovered that warmer temperature and aging interact to increase the expression of both <em>NOS</em> and <em>JNK</em>, which are involved in immunity and oxidative stress. Additionally, warmer temperature and aging interact to downregulate expression of genes encoding antimicrobial effectors and superoxide detoxification enzymes, but upregulate expression of genes involved in hydrogen peroxide detoxification. Finally, manipulating nitric oxide production modifies the expression of immune genes in a temperature and age dependent manner. These findings suggest that heightened oxidative stress caused by warmer temperature accelerates senescence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105556"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146029004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protective mechanisms of baicalein against white spot syndrome virus in Procambarus clarkii: Insights from intestinal microbiota and hepatopancreatic antioxidant system","authors":"Hucheng Jiang ,&nbsp;Yiyun Zhang ,&nbsp;Qianru Fan ,&nbsp;Yanhua Zhao ,&nbsp;Yawen Yu ,&nbsp;Yanming Sui ,&nbsp;Hui Xue","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105564","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105564","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) severely threatens the sustainable cultivation of <em>Procambarus clarkii</em> and causes substantial economic losses. To develop safe strategies for controlling WSSV, the present study evaluated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of baicalein in WSSV-infected <em>P. clarkii</em>. <em>P. clarkii</em> were randomly allocated into four experimental groups: Control (C), Baicalein immersion (B), WSSV infected (W), and WSSV infected plus Baicalein immersion (WB) for a 14-day experimental period. Intestinal microbiota, intestinal histopathology, and hepatopancreatic antioxidant enzyme activities were analyzed to evaluate baicalein's protective effects. WSSV infection exerted severe adverse effects on <em>P. clarkii</em>: the survival rate significantly decreased to 64.89%, intestinal microbiota composition was perturbed with decreased relative abundance of Proteobacteria and increased Bacteroidota, pathogenic taxa such as <em>Bacteroides</em> and <em>Vibrio</em> proliferated, intestinal epithelial exfoliation occurred, and hepatopancreatic antioxidant function was impaired with reduced GPX/CAT activities and elevated MDA content. Notably, 2.5 mg/L baicalein immersion mitigated these WSSV-induced adverse effects: the survival rate increased to 73.33%, intestinal microbiota composition was restored with increased Proteobacteria and decreased Bacteroidota, pathogenic taxa such as <em>Bacteroides</em> were inhibited, intestinal damage was alleviated, and hepatopancreatic antioxidant capacity was partially enhanced by targeting the T-SOD and GSH pathways, whereas GPX and CAT activities remained unaffected. Collectively, baicalein protects <em>P. clarkii</em> against WSSV through a \"microbiota-immune-antioxidant axis\" synergistic mechanism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105564"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146118243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Discovery and classification of new reptile cathelicidins by genome mining: study of their structure and genomic organization in Testudines and Squamata","authors":"Andrea Otazo-Pérez ,&nbsp;Manuel R. López ,&nbsp;Sergio González-Acosta ,&nbsp;Antonio Morales-delaNuez ,&nbsp;José Manuel Pérez de la Lastra","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105560","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cathelicidins, a diverse family of host defence peptides (HDPs) in vertebrates, are recognized for their potential in combating resistant microorganisms and their varied biological functions. While extensive studies have focused on mammalian cathelicidins, those in reptiles remain largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted a genome mining analysis that identified 287 cathelicidin genes across reptilian orders Testudines and Squamata. Of these genes, we identified 219 complete cathelicidin protein sequences and 68 cathelicidin-like gene copies that appear to be pseudogenes or gene fragments lacking intact open reading frames. We established for the first time a classification for reptile cathelicidins of the cited orders based on their sequence and structure, observing six types for Testudines and six for Squamata, suggesting a common ancestral lineage. Furthermore, we investigated the genomic arrangement of these cathelicidin genes, uncovering that they are grouped into clusters with variability in the gene number and in their organization. Cathelicidin derived mature peptides were classified into nine groups based on their sequences and physicochemical properties. This comprehensive study enhances the understanding of the cathelicidin family in reptiles, clarifying their genomic organization and describing the different types present. These classifications pave the way for future studies on the functions and specialization of each identified cathelicidin group. Moreover, they enable potential structure-activity studies of the peptides, establishing a foundation for differentiating their key features.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105560"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146104322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of IRF1 in positive feedback of type I IFN transcription to combat Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) infection in teleost fish","authors":"Li Li ,&nbsp;Kai Lun Wang ,&nbsp;Nan Li ,&nbsp;Xue Yun Peng ,&nbsp;Lan Hao Liu ,&nbsp;Shan Nan Chen ,&nbsp;Pin Nie","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105567","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105567","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) play essential roles in virus-induced immune activation and IFN production, and IRF1 is involved in regulating diverse physiological processes, such as antiviral response; however, the molecular mechanism underlying its antiviral activity remains incompletely understood particularly in lower vertebrates such as teleost fish. In this study, IRF1 was found markedly upregulated following SCRV and type I IFN stimulation in MFF-1 cells. Ectopic expression of IRF1 robustly activated the transcription of type I IFNs, essential genes in IFN signaling pathways, and multiple IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). This activation conferred strong antiviral protection, attenuating SCRV-induced cytopathic effects, reducing viral titers, and suppressing viral gene expression, including SCRV N, P, G, M, and L. Furthermore, dual-Luciferase reporter assay showed that promoters of type I IFNs, ISRE, Mx and IFP35 can all be induced following IRF1 overexpression. Taken together, IRF1 was found to initiate directly the intracellular innate immune transcription of type I IFNs, which is then amplified intercellularly through type I IFN and IRF3-mediated secretory pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105567"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146156314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early innate immune response to highly pathogenic avian influenza and functional characterisation of the chicken IRF1 promoter","authors":"Aaron J. Smith ,&nbsp;Sudip Dhakal ,&nbsp;Arjun Challagulla ,&nbsp;Kiran Krishnankutty Nair ,&nbsp;Emiliana Weiss ,&nbsp;Kristie Jenkins ,&nbsp;James W. Wynne","doi":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105561","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dci.2026.105561","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus outbreaks in poultry farming impose a substantial economic burden and present a significant threat to animal welfare, with the H5N1 subtype representing a potential candidate for a future pandemic strain. Advancing the current understanding of the host immune response and viral dynamics following HPAI H5N1 infection is critical for improving prevention and treatment strategies. Using the chicken embryo fibroblast DF-1 cell line, this study aimed to investigate the initial cell-intrinsic innate immune response and corresponding viral transcription following challenge with HPAI H5N1 through RNA sequencing. Significant enrichment of genes associated with interferon signalling and the p53 pathway was observed at four and 8 h post infection, with sustained upregulation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (chIRF1) observed throughout the time course. Leveraging this finding, the proximal promoter region of chIRF1 was functionally characterised to investigate its transcriptional regulation following exposure to viral stimuli. Motif-based analysis identified putative regulatory elements within the −200 bp proximal promoter region, including an NF-κB binding motif, an gamma interferon-activated site (GAS), a CCAAT box, and several GC boxes. Luciferase reporter assays employing 5’ deletion constructs and targeted disruption of the GAS element demonstrated that this motif is required for full induction of the chIRF1 promoter in response to poly(I:C) stimulation and HPAI H5N1infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11228,"journal":{"name":"Developmental and comparative immunology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105561"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146124084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}