Trans generational immune priming in aquaculture- disease combating potential

Abstract

Transgenerational immune priming in insects has proven to be effective in producing offsprings that have a superior immune system. The studies have also indicated at the possibility of paternal immune priming, where the male transfers its immunity to the offspring. As a result the immune molecules present in the offspring will be specific to not only the microbes that challenged the mother but also to those that immune challenged the father. The aim of this review article is to explore the possible application of transgenerational immune priming (maternal/paternal/bi-parental) in aquaculture as a method to combat disease outbreaks. The studies reviewed in this article conclude that immune priming has led to healthier offsprings in case of pipefish where both paternal and maternal immune priming was observed. Thus Transgenerational immune priming can be used as an alternative method in aquaculture based on the knowledge of exposing the dominant parent to the prevalent infectious threats. This will result in offspring having a better survival rate compared and can also act as a substitute to vaccination.