UNM biologists make breakthrough in fish mucosal immune system research
December 7, 2022
Researchers in the Salinas Lab at UNM’s Department of Biology have discovered an immune structure in the nasal cavities of rainbow trout that scientists previously didn’t think existed. The new knowledge will allow fish immunologists better understand the efficacy of aquaculture vaccines.
While fish and mammals have similar immune systems, there are important anatomical differences. And, for the most part, the immune system of non-mammalian vertebrates is not well known.
The investigators noted that this nasal immune structure has molecular features of “germinal centers,” a reaction that happens in humans when we get vaccinated or infected. Germinal center reactions are often used as markers for vaccine responses.
Read more at Advance at UNM.
