Wednesday December 28, 2022
USDA —
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.
“We knew about germinal center reactions in lymphoid structures in humans, mice and birds, but we didn’t think the architecture of the fish immune system had such structures,” said Irene Salinas, a professor and associate chair in biology.
“Many people have looked for them including us, but we couldn’t find them, mainly due to the lack of the right tools,” she said.