Nlrc5 ablation interferes with MHC-I gene expression and immune cell migration

Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing receptors (NLRs) have complex and diverse functions. Studies in mammalian models have indicated a clear role of NLRC5 in the regulation of MHC-I gene expression. The nlrc5 KO zebrafish model was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to understand its function with respect to VHSV. The VHSV infection experiment demonstrated higher mortality in nlrc5 KO fish with higher VHSV copy numbers. Virus-infected pathology, such as tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and eye bulging, was significantly higher in the nlrc5 KO fish. Expressional analysis of ifn system genes indicated the significant upregulation of ifnφ1. Gene expression analysis during VHSV infection indicated a significant downregulation of MHC-I genes in the nlrc5 KO model compared to the wild-type (WT). Owing to the impact of MHC-I, the viral copy number may increase with higher mortality under VHSV infections. For neutrophil migration analysis, a nlrc5 KO and a neutrophil-labeled model were developed (nlrc5^-/- Tg(mpx:mcherry)). Injury was generated in the caudal fin, and the injury site was stimulated with poly I: C. The number of neutrophils were reduced in the nlrc5 KO fish. Levels of critical cytokines responsible for neutrophil migration were significantly reduced in nlrc5 KO fish during VHSV infection. The data from the current study in zebrafish reconfirm the observations in mammalian models, and neutrophil migration analysis suggests that Nlrc5 may be associated with inflammatory activation in the presence of VHSV.