Characterization of Dual and Homeostatic Chemokine Expression and Response to Bacterial Infection in Large Yellow Croaker, Larimichthys crocea

Chemokines are cytokines which can induce leukocyte activation and migration that are secreted as a part of an immune response. However, while the role of chemokines has been described extensively in mammals, little is known regarding such immune responses in fish species. The current study reports on the gene expression and molecular characteristics of three members of the CC family of chemokines: 1) dual chemokine ligand CCL17; 2) homeostatic chemokines ligand CCL21; and 3) CCL24 in response to bacterial challenge in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). The results revealed that the immunological effect of CCLs in the croaker is weaker than that of other fish, and revealed the infectivity of the large yellow croaker. Thus, these findings could help to develop methods of disease resistance in the aquaculture industry.