Functional Characterization of <i>TNFα</i> in the Starry Flounder (<i>Platichthys stellatus</i>) and Its Potential as an Immunostimulant
<i>Tumor necrosis factor alpha</i> (<i>TNFα</i>) is a central pro-inflammatory cytokine that mediates host immune responses during infection. In this study, we identified and characterized the <i>TNFα</i> gene in the starry flounder (<i>Platichthys stellatus...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Animals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2119 |
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| Summary: | <i>Tumor necrosis factor alpha</i> (<i>TNFα</i>) is a central pro-inflammatory cytokine that mediates host immune responses during infection. In this study, we identified and characterized the <i>TNFα</i> gene in the starry flounder (<i>Platichthys stellatus</i>) through transcriptomic analysis. The deduced protein contained a conserved TNF domain and transmembrane region, and phylogenetic analysis confirmed its homology with other teleost TNFα proteins. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed high baseline expression in immune-related peripheral organs and a distinct temporal modulation in response to <i>Streptococcus parauberis</i> infection. Recombinant TNFα (rTNFα), produced using a cell-free expression system, significantly enhanced phagocytic activity in peripheral and kidney-derived leukocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Peak activity was observed at 150–200 μg/mL, while a decline at higher concentrations suggested a threshold for immune stimulation. Importantly, hemolysis assays confirmed the safety of rTNFα even at the highest tested concentrations. These results demonstrate the immunomodulatory potential of TNFα as a molecular adjuvant in aquaculture vaccines and underscore its potential utility in immune-enhancing strategies for sustainable aquaculture. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2615 |