Task 3

Task 3 aims to unveil the innate and adaptive immune responses of farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) exposed to the interactive effects of marine heatwaves, hypoxia and emerging pathogen (Vibrio harveyi) infection. Hence, three subtasks are being carried:

3.1. Cell counts and immune-functional parameters

3.2. Humoral immune parameters

3.3. Immune organs transcriptome analysis and differential gene expression

Upon an integrated and comprehensive analysis of the data obtained in this task, the Project's research team expects to confirm the strong influence of marine heatwaves and/or hypoxia in farmed fish innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as, an increased pathogenicity of Vibrio harveyi following the co-exposure to these abiotic stressors. Up- or down-regulation of immune- related genes and pathways are expected, according to their biological function and role in host-pathogen interactions. It is also hypothesised that different stress scenarios will trigger distinct immune responses, according to their degree of severity.