Exosomal miRNAs and proteins in viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus vhallenged olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus): Insights into immune modulation

Title : Exosomal miRNAs and proteins in viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus vhallenged olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus): Insights into immune modulation

Abstract:

Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), a major cultured fish in South Korea faces mass economic losses due  to pathogen infections, particularly from Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV), a member of the Rhabdoviridae family. Although, various molecular and immunological researches have aimed to identify the underlying mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions and to develop vaccines or prophylactic agents against VHSV to prevent or control the disease, effective strategies to prevent and treat diseases is still required. Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes (30–150 nm), have gained attention for their role in intercellular communication during in both normal physiological and pathological disease states. These vesicles, released by diverse cell types, may provide new insights into immune responses and potential therapeutic targets. This study investigates the molecular content of plasma-derived exosomes from both control (PBS-Exo) and VHSV-infected (VHSV-Exo) olive flounder at an early stage of infection to understand the biological changes caused by the virus. Potential biomarkers for early diagnosis were identified, and the immunomodulatory activity of VHSV-Exo were further evaluated in vitro and in vivo.  Based on comparative analysis of PBS-Exo and VHSV-Exo, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs and proteins and their important functional pathways, such as metabolism, immunomodulation, disease resistance, and wound healing. The findings offer valuable insights for improving fish health, advancing the aquaculture industry, and supporting future biotechnological applications. 

Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) RS-2024-00347938.

Biography:

Dr. Chamilani is a Research professor at Chungnam National University, College of Veterinary Medicine, South Korea. She earned her MPhil Degree in Food Science and Technology at the PGIA, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka and Doctor’s Degree in Aquatic Life Medicine at Jeju National University, Korea.  She worked at Professor Martha’s laboratory in the University of Rhode Island, USA as a Postdoctoral Research fellow for two years in the area of identifying novel molecules involved in oyster immune defense responses. Her main research interests aim to understand host-pathogen interactions, molecular immune defense mechanisms against pathogens, and study combined disease control and preventive measures for fish using immune stimulants and vaccine strategies (phage therapy, exosomes, extracellular vesicles, antimicrobial peptides, and mRNA-vaccines). She has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 36), and contributed to five patents.