Immune relevant molecules identified in the skin mucus of fish using -omics technologies

Abstract

This review will give an overview of immune relevant molecules in fish skin mucus. The skin of fish is continuously exposed to a water environment, and unlike that of terrestrial vertebrates, it is a mucosal surface with a thin epidermis of live cells covered by a mucus layer. The mucosa plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the fish and preventing the entry of invading pathogens. This review provides an overview of proteins, RNA, DNA, lipids and carbohydrates found in the skin mucus of studied species. Proteins such as actin, histones, lectins, lysozyme, mucin, and transferrin have extracellular immune relevant functions. Complement complement molecules, heat shock molecules and superoxide dismutase present in mucus show differential expression during pathogen challenge in some species, but their functions in mucus, if any, need to be shown. RNA, DNA, lipids, carbohydrates and metabolites in mucus have been studied to a limited extent in fish, the current knowledge is summarized and knowledge gaps are pointed out.