Implementation of mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle Technology in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar).

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate whether mRNA vaccine technology could be adapted for the ectothermic vertebrate Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology has been developed and optimized for mRNA vaccines in mammals, stabilizing mRNA and facilitating its delivery into cells. However, its utility at the temperatures and specific biological environments present in ectotherms remains unclear. In addition, it is unknown if modified mRNA containing non-canonical nucleotides can correctly translate in salmonid cells. METHODS: We used an mRNA transcript coding for enhanced green fluorescence protein, flanked by the untranslated regions of the hemagglutinin-esterase gene of the infectious salmon anemia virus, and a 120-base-long poly(A) tail. The mRNA was generated via in vitro transcription where uridine residues were replaced with N1-methyl-pseudouridines, and then encapsulated in LNPs. RESULTS: When transfected into the salmonid cell line CHH-1, the mRNA-LNP construct induced expression of EGFP. Furthermore, when mRNA-LNPs were injected intramuscularly into salmon, in vivo protein expression was demonstrated via immunohistochemistry. EGFP was observed in cells infiltrating the spaces between muscle cells in a focal inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that N1-methyl-pseudouridine-modified mRNA encapsulated in LNPs can be used to express antigens of interest in salmonid fish.

Introduction and temporospatial tracing of piscine orthoreovirus-1 (PRV-1) in Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) after local fallowing.

Piscine orthoreovirus-1 (PRV-1) is a prevalent agent in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and the causative agent of heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI), an important disease in farmed Atlantic salmon. Investigations into the introduction and dissemination routes of PRV-1 in a field setting have been limited. This study aimed to better understand PRV-1 infections and HSMI-associated mortality under field conditions. We tracked introduction and spread of PRV-1 over one production cycle in a geographically isolated region in Norwegian aquaculture. From five sites, a total of 32 virus isolates were sequenced and genogrouped. The results indicated multiple introductions of PRV-1 to the area, but also revealed a high level of genetic homogeneity among the virus variants. The variants differed from that of the previous production cycle at two out of three sites investigated, suggesting that synchronized fallowing can be a useful tool for preventing dissemination of PRV-1 between generations of fish. Exposure to PRV-1 at the freshwater stage was identified as a potential source of introduction. A low level of HSMI-associated mortality was observed at all sites, with the onset of mortality showing some variation across PRV-1 genogroups. However, the study highlighted the complexity of associating viral genogroups with mortality in a field setting. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into PRV-1 dynamics in a real-world aquaculture setting, offering potential strategies for disease management and prevention.

Red and melanized focal changes in the white skeletal muscle of farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Fillet discoloration by red and melanized focal changes (RFCs and MFCs) is common in farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. In farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, similar changes have been noted, but their prevalence and histological characteristics have not been investigated. Thus, we conducted a study encompassing 1293 rainbow trout from 3 different farm sites in Norway, all examined at the time of slaughter. Both macroscopic and histological assessments of the changes were performed. Reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR analyses and in situ hybridization (ISH) were used to detect the presence and location, respectively, of potential viruses. Only 1 RFC was detected in a single fillet, while the prevalence of MFCs ranged from 1.46 to 6.47% between populations. The changes were predominantly localized in the cranioventral region of the fillet. Histological examinations unveiled necrotic myocytes, fibrosis, and regeneration of myocytes. Melano-macrophages were found in the affected areas and in myoseptal adipose tissue. Organized granulomas were observed in only 1 fish. Notably, the presence of inflammatory cells, including melano-macrophages, appeared lower compared to what has been previously documented in Atlantic salmon MFCs. Instead, fibrosis and regeneration dominated. RT-qPCR and ISH revealed the presence of piscine orthoreovirus 1 (PRV-1) and salmonid alphavirus (SAV) in skeletal muscle. However, these viruses were not consistently associated with lesioned areas, contrasting previous findings in Atlantic salmon. In conclusion, rainbow trout develop MFCs of a different character than farmed Atlantic salmon, and we speculate whether the observed pathological differences are contributing to their reduced occurrence in farmed rainbow trout.

Deciphering the pathogenesis of melanized focal changes in the white skeletal muscle of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Melanized focal changes (MFCs) in the fillet of farmed Atlantic salmon is a major quality concern. The changes are thought to initially appear as acute red focal changes (RFCs) that progress into chronic MFCs. Recent findings have indicated that hypoxia may be important in their development, possibly leading to necrosis affecting not only myocytes but also adipocytes. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate possible hypoxic conditions in RFCs and the subsequent inflammatory responses and lesions in the adipose tissue in RFCs and MFCs. A collection of RFCs, MFCs and control muscle samples from several groups of farmed salmon was studied. Using immunohistochemistry, we found induction of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 pathway in RFCs. Histological investigations of RFCs and MFCs revealed different stages of fat necrosis, including necrotic adipocytes, a myospherulosis-like reaction and the formation of pseudocystic spaces. Accumulations of foamy macrophages were detected in MFCs, indicating degradation and phagocytosis of lipids. Using in situ hybridization, we showed the presence of tyrosinase- and tyrosinase-related protein-1-expressing amelanotic cells in RFCs, which in turn became melanized in MFCs. In conclusion, we propose a sequence of events leading to the formation of MFCs, highlighting the pivotal role of adiposity, hypoxia and fat necrosis.

Effect of pancreas disease vaccines on infection levels and virus transmission in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) challenged with salmonid alphavirus, genotype 2.

Salmonid alphavirus (SAV) causes pancreas disease (PD), which negatively impacts farmed Atlantic salmon. In this study, fish were vaccinated with a DNA-PD vaccine (DNA-PD) and an oil-adjuvanted, inactivated whole virus PD vaccine (Oil-PD). Controls were two non-PD vaccinated groups. Fish were kept in one tank and challenged by cohabitation with SAV genotype 2 in seawater. Protection against infection and mortality was assessed for 84 days (Efficacy study). Nineteen days post challenge (dpc), subgroups of fish from all treatment groups were transferred to separate tanks and cohabited with naïve fish (Transmission study 1) or fish vaccinated with a homologous vaccine (Transmission study 2), to evaluate virus transmission for 26 days (47 dpc). Viremia, heart RT-qPCR and histopathological scoring of key organs affected by PD were used to measure infection levels. RT-droplet digital PCR quantified shedding of SAV into water for transmission studies. The Efficacy study showed that PD associated growth-loss was significantly lower and clearance of SAV2 RNA significantly higher in the PD-DNA group compared to the other groups. The PD-DNA group had milder lesions in the heart and muscle. Cumulative mortality post challenge was low and not different between groups, but the DNA-PD group had delayed time-to-death. In Transmission study 1, the lowest water levels of SAV RNA were measured in the tanks containing the DNA-PD group at 21 and 34 dpc. Despite this, and irrespective of the treatment group, SAV2 was effectively transmitted to the naïve fish during 26-day cohabitation. At 47 dpc, the SAV RNA concentrations in the water were lower in all tanks compared to 34 dpc. In Transmission study 2, none of the DNA-PD immunized cohabitants residing with DNA-PD-vaccinated, pre-challenged fish got infected. In contrast, Oil-PD immunized cohabitants residing with Oil-PD-vaccinated, pre-challenged fish, showed infection levels similar to the naïve cohabitants in Transmission study 1. The results demonstrate that the DNA-PD vaccine may curb the spread of SAV infection as the DNA-PD vaccinated, SAV2 exposed fish, did not spread the infection to cohabiting DNA-PD vaccinated fish. This signifies that herd immunity may be achieved by the DNA-PD vaccine, a valuable tool to control the PD epizootic in farmed Atlantic salmon.

Transcriptomics of early responses to purified Piscine orthoreovirus-1 in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) red blood cells compared to non-susceptible cell lines.

Piscine red blood cells (RBC) are nucleated and have been characterized as mediators of immune responses in addition to their role in gas exchange. Salmonid RBC are major target cells of Piscine orthoreovirus-1 (PRV-1), the etiological agent of heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). PRV-1 replicates in RBC ex vivo, but no viral amplification has been possible in available A. salmon cell lines. To compare RBC basal transcripts and transcriptional responses to PRV-1 in the early phase of infection with non-susceptible cells, we exposed A. salmon RBC, Atlantic salmon kidney cells (ASK) and Salmon head kidney cells (SHK-1) to PRV-1 for 24 h. The RNA-seq analysis of RBC supported their previous characterization as pluripotent cells, as they expressed a wide repertoire of genes encoding pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), cytokine receptors, and genes implicated in antiviral activities. The comparison of RBC to ASK and SHK-1 revealed immune cell features exclusively expressed in RBC, such as genes involved in chemotactic activity in response to inflammation. Differential expression analysis of RBC exposed to PRV-1 showed 46 significantly induced genes (≥ 2-fold upregulation) linked to the antiviral response pathway, including RNA-specific PRRs and interferon (IFN) response factors. In SHK-1, PRV induced a more potent or faster antiviral response (213 genes induced). ASK cells showed a differential response pattern (12 genes induced, 18 suppressed) less characterized by the dsRNA-induced antiviral pathway. Despite these differences, the RIG-I-like receptor 3 (RLR3) in the family of cytosolic dsRNA receptors was significantly induced in all PRV-1 exposed cells. IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) was significantly induced in RBC only, in contrast to IRF3/IRF7 induced in SHK-1. Differences in IRF expression and activity may potentially affect viral propagation.

Shift in virus composition in honeybees (Apis mellifera) following worldwide invasion by the parasitic mite and virus vector Varroa destructor.

Invasive vectors can induce dramatic changes in disease epidemiology. While viral emergence following geographical range expansion of a vector is well known, the influence a vector can have at the level of the host's pathobiome is less well understood. Taking advantage of the formerly heterogeneous spatial distribution of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor that acts as potent virus vector among honeybees Apis mellifera, we investigated the impact of its recent global spread on the viral community of honeybees in a retrospective study of historical samples. We hypothesized that the vector has had an effect on the epidemiology of several bee viruses, potentially altering their transmissibility and/or virulence, and consequently their prevalence, abundance, or both. To test this, we quantified the prevalence and loads of 14 viruses from honeybee samples collected in mite-free and mite-infested populations in four independent geographical regions. The presence of the mite dramatically increased the prevalence and load of deformed wing virus, a cause of unsustainably high colony losses. In addition, several other viruses became more prevalent or were found at higher load in mite-infested areas, including viruses not known to be actively varroa-transmitted, but which may increase opportunistically in varroa-parasitized bees.

Plant-made vaccines against viral diseases in humans and farm animals.

Plants provide not only food and feed, but also herbal medicines and various raw materials for industry. Moreover, plants can be green factories producing high value bioproducts such as biopharmaceuticals and vaccines. Advantages of plant-based production platforms include easy scale-up, cost effectiveness, and high safety as plants are not hosts for human and animal pathogens. Plant cells perform many post-translational modifications that are present in humans and animals and can be essential for biological activity of produced recombinant proteins. Stimulated by progress in plant transformation technologies, substantial efforts have been made in both the public and the private sectors to develop plant-based vaccine production platforms. Recent promising examples include plant-made vaccines against COVID-19 and Ebola. The COVIFENZ® COVID-19 vaccine produced in Nicotiana benthamiana has been approved in Canada, and several plant-made influenza vaccines have undergone clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the status of vaccine production in plants and the state of the art in downstream processing according to good manufacturing practice (GMP). We discuss different production approaches, including stable transgenic plants and transient expression technologies, and review selected applications in the area of human and veterinary vaccines. We also highlight specific challenges associated with viral vaccine production for different target organisms, including lower vertebrates (e.g., farmed fish), and discuss future perspectives for the field.

In-depth health surveillance and clinical nutrition in farmed Atlantic salmon: a strategic attempt to detect and mitigate an HSMI outbreak.

Fish health personnel have limited tools in combatting viral diseases such as heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) in open net-pen farmed Atlantic salmon. In this study, we aimed to predict HSMI by intensified health monitoring and apply clinical nutrition to mitigate the condition. We followed a commercial cohort (G1) of Atlantic salmon that was PRV-1 naïve when transferred to a sea cage at a location where HSMI outbreaks commonly occur. The fish in the other cages (G2-G6) at the location had a different origin than G1 and were PRV-1 positive prior to sea transfer. By continuous analysis of production data and sequentially (approximately every fourth week) performing autopsy, RT-qPCR (for PRV-1 and selected immune genes), blood and histological analysis of 10 fish from G1 and G2, we identified the time of PRV-1 infection in G1 and predicted the onset of HSMI prior to any clinical signs of disease. Identical sequences across partial genomes of PRV-1 isolates from G1 and G2 suggest the likely transfer from infected cages to G1. The isolates were grouped into a genogroup known to be of high virulence. A commercial health diet was applied during the HSMI outbreak, and the fish had low mortality and an unaffected appetite. In conclusion, we show that fish health and welfare can benefit from in-depth health monitoring. We also discuss the potential health value of clinical nutrition as a mean to mitigate HSMI.

An Atypical Course of Cardiomyopathy Syndrome (CMS) in Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Fed a Clinical Nutrition Diet.

Cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) poses a significant threat to farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), leading to high mortality rates during the seawater phase. Given that controlled experimental challenge trials with PMCV do not reproduce the mortality observed in severe field outbreaks of CMS, field trials on natural CMS outbreaks are warranted. This field study explored the impact of a clinical nutrition intervention, specifically a diet enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on a severe CMS outbreak in a commercial sea farm. CMS was diagnosed in a single sea cage with high mortality rates. Histopathological analysis, RT-qPCR in situ hybridization for virus detection, and fatty acid composition analysis were used to monitor the impact of disease and the inclusion of EPA and DHA in heart tissue. Following the implementation of clinical nutrition, a decline in mortality rates, regression of CMS-associated changes, and a significant reduction in piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV) RNA load were observed within the salmon population. Fatty acid composition analysis of heart samples demonstrated increased levels of EPA and DHA, reinforcing the association between dietary factors, viral load dynamics, and overall fish health. Although further validation is needed in future studies, as field trials may not be sufficient to establish causation, our results indicate that optimizing the EPA + DHA levels may prove beneficial in severe CMS outbreaks.

Effects of a DNA and multivalent oil-adjuvanted vaccines against pancreas disease in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) challenged with salmonid alphavirus subtype 3.

Salmonid alphavirus (SAV) causes pancreas disease (PD) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). In seawater-farmed salmonids in the southern part of Norway SAV subtype 3 (SAV3) is dominating. PD continues to cause significant economic and fish health concerns in this region despite years of extensive use of oil-adjuvanted vaccines (OAVs) containing inactivated whole virus (IWV) antigens. In the current study, three commercially available PD vaccines were tested. Group A got a DNA vaccine (DNAV) injected intramuscularly (i.m.) plus an OAV without a PD component injected intraperitoneally (i.p.). Groups B and C got different OAV IWV vaccines injected i.p., respectively. The control group was i.p. injected with saline. Approximately 12 weeks after vaccination, the post smolt groups were challenged in seawater with SAV3 by cohabitation. Samples were collected pre-challenge, and at 19, 54 and 83 days post-challenge (dpc). There were no differences in growth or visible intraperitoneal side effects between the immunized groups prior to challenge. Fish in group A had significantly higher SAV3 neutralizing antibody titers than the other groups pre-challenge and significantly lower SAV3 viremia levels than the control group at 19 dpc. Fish in group A had significantly more weight gain than the other groups measured at 54 and 83 dpc. Prevalence and severity of heart necrosis at 19 dpc and loss of exocrine pancreas tissue at 54 and 83 dpc were significantly lower in groups A and B compared to group C and controls. The cumulative mortality in the control group during the challenge period was 10.5%. Group A experienced the lowest mortality (6.4%) albeit not statistically different from the controls. The results suggest that DNAV may reduce the clinical and economic impact of PD by improved protection against SAV3-induced changes in pancreas tissue and growth impairment.

Triploid Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) may have increased risk of primary field outbreaks of infectious salmon anaemia.

The impact that escaped farmed fish may have on wild populations is of major concern for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farming. Triploid fish, being infertile, were originally introduced to mitigate the genetic impact of escaped fish. In the recent years, an increase in the number of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) outbreaks in Norway has been observed, mainly in the northern parts, which is also where farming of triploid fish has been licensed. The present study investigated the susceptibility of triploid Atlantic salmon to ISA both by field observations and experimental infections. Based on field observations, we found an increased susceptibility, with 9.4 increased odds to primary ISA outbreaks in triploid fish versus diploid fish at production-site level, and a tendency of increased odds (3.4) of ISA in triploid fish at individual cage level at sited with primary outbreaks. At some sites, ISA outbreaks were only diagnosed in cages with triploid fish and not in cages with diploid fish. Primary ISA outbreaks are the source for further spread of the disease, and it is noteworthy that in an experimental trial we found significantly more viral RNA in non-ISA-vaccinated triploid than in non-ISA-vaccinated diploid fish at the peak of the infection. Interestingly, the notable differences of susceptibility to ISA for non-ISA vaccinated diploid and triploid fish observed in field were not repeated experimentally. The possible increased risk of ISA should be considered when evaluating the costs and benefits of triploid salmon in farming. It is recommended to keep triploid and diploid fish in biosecure separated sites, or that triploid fish are not farmed at all.

Genetic grouping and geographic distribution of Piscine orthoreovirus-1 (PRV-1) in farmed Atlantic salmon in Norway.

Piscine orthoreovirus-1 (PRV-1) is the causative agent of heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). However, it has been shown that PRV-1 variants differ in their ability to induce HSMI. The objective of this work was to identify the PRV-1 variants in Norwegian aquaculture and their geographical distribution. Sequencing and subsequent analysis of the five genomic segments (S1, S4, M2, L1 and L2) putatively linked to virulence, made out the basis of the study. Thirty-seven Norwegian PRV-1 isolates were sequenced, and they grouped into eight genogroups based on combinations of the five analyzed genomic segments. Two groups were defined as high-virulent and two low-virulent, based on comparison with PRV-1 reference isolates with known virulence. The remaining four groups were of unknown virulence. The geographic distribution indicated a higher frequency of the high-virulent isolates in the mid- and northern regions. The present study confirms circulation of both high- and low-virulent isolates of PRV-1 in farmed Atlantic salmon in Norway. To reduce the impact of PRV-1 related disease, detection and differentiation between high- and low-virulent genogroups of PRV-1 could be a targeted approach for reduction of high-virulent variants.

Dynamics of Polarized Macrophages and Activated CD8+ Cells in Heart Tissue of Atlantic Salmon Infected With Piscine Orthoreovirus-1.

Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV-1) infection causes heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The virus is also associated with focal melanized changes in white skeletal muscle where PRV-1 infection of macrophages appears to be important. In this study, we studied the macrophage polarization into M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes during experimentally induced HSMI. The immune response in heart with HSMI lesions was characterized by CD8+ and MHC-I expressing cells and not by polarized macrophages. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) assays revealed localization of PRV-1 in a few M1 macrophages in both heart and skeletal muscle. M2 type macrophages were widely scattered in the heart and were more abundant in heart compared to the skeletal muscle. However, the M2 macrophages did not co-stain for PRV-1. There was a strong cellular immune response to the infection in the heart compared to that of the skeletal muscle, seen as increased MHC-I expression, partly in cells also containing PRV-1 RNA, and a high number of cytotoxic CD8+ granzyme producing cells that targeted PRV-1. In skeletal muscle, MHC-I expressing cells and CD8+ cells were dispersed between myocytes, but these cells did not stain for PRV-1. Gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR complied with the FISH results and confirmed a drop in level of PRV-1 following the cell mediated immune response. Overall, the results indicated that M1 macrophages do not contribute to the initial development of HSMI. However, large numbers of M2 macrophages reside in the heart and may contribute to the subsequent fast recovery following clearance of PRV-1 infection.

PRV-1 Infected Macrophages in Melanized Focal Changes in White Muscle of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Correlates With a Pro-Inflammatory Environment.

Melanized focal changes in white skeletal muscle of farmed Atlantic salmon, "black spots", is a quality problem affecting on average 20% of slaughtered fish. The spots appear initially as "red spots" characterized by hemorrhages and acute inflammation and progress into black spots characterized by chronic inflammation and abundant pigmented cells. Piscine orthoreovirus 1 (PRV-1) was previously found to be associated with macrophages and melano-macrophages in red and black spots. Here we have addressed the inflammatory microenvironment of red and black spots by studying the polarization status of the macrophages and cell mediated immune responses in spots, in both PRV-1 infected and non-infected fish. Samples that had been collected at regular intervals through the seawater production phase in a commercial farm were analyzed by multiplex fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and RT-qPCR methods. Detection of abundant inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS2) expressing M1-polarized macrophages in red spots demonstrated a pro-inflammatory microenvironment. There was an almost perfect co-localization with the iNOS2 expression and PRV-1 infection. Black spots, on the other side, had few iNOS2 expressing cells, but a relatively high number of arginase-2 expressing anti-inflammatory M2-polarized macrophages containing melanin. The numerous M2-polarized melano-macrophages in black spots indicate an ongoing healing phase. Co-localization of PRV-1 and cells expressing CD8+ and MHC-I suggests a targeted immune response taking place in the spots. Altogether, this study indicates that PRV-1 induces a pro-inflammatory environment that is important for the pathogenesis of the spots. We do not have indication that infection of PRV-1 is the initial causative agent of this condition.

Piscine Orthoreovirus (PRV)-3, but Not PRV-2, Cross-Protects against PRV-1 and Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation in Atlantic Salmon.

Heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI), caused by infection with Piscine orthoreovirus-1 (PRV-1), is a common disease in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Both an inactivated whole virus vaccine and a DNA vaccine have previously been tested experimentally against HSMI and demonstrated to give partial but not full protection. To understand the mechanisms involved in protection against HSMI and evaluate the potential of live attenuated vaccine strategies, we set up a cross-protection experiment using PRV genotypes not associated with disease development in Atlantic salmon. The three known genotypes of PRV differ in their preference of salmonid host species. The main target species for PRV-1 is Atlantic salmon. Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) is the target species for PRV-2, where the infection may induce erythrocytic inclusion body syndrome (EIBS). PRV-3 is associated with heart pathology and anemia in rainbow trout, but brown trout (S. trutta) is the likely natural main host species. Here, we tested if primary infection with PRV-2 or PRV-3 in Atlantic salmon could induce protection against secondary PRV-1 infection, in comparison with an adjuvanted, inactivated PRV-1 vaccine. Viral kinetics, production of cross-reactive antibodies, and protection against HSMI were studied. PRV-3, and to a low extent PRV-2, induced antibodies cross-reacting with the PRV-1 σ1 protein, whereas no specific antibodies were detected after vaccination with inactivated PRV-1. Ten weeks after immunization, the fish were challenged through cohabitation with PRV-1-infected shedder fish. A primary PRV-3 infection completely blocked PRV-1 infection, while PRV-2 only reduced PRV-1 infection levels and the severity of HSMI pathology in a few individuals. This study indicates that infection with non-pathogenic, replicating PRV could be a future strategy to protect farmed salmon from HSMI.

Genetically modified attenuated salmonid alphavirus: A potential strategy for immunization of Atlantic salmon.

Pancreas disease (PD) is a serious challenge in European salmonid aquaculture caused by salmonid alphavirus (SAV). In this study, we report the effect of immunization of Atlantic salmon with three attenuated infectious SAV3 strains with targeted mutations in a glycosylation site of the envelope E2 protein and/or in a nuclear localization signal in the capsid protein. In a pilot experiment, it was shown that the mutated viral strains replicated in fish, transmitted to naïve cohabitants and that the transmission had not altered the sequences. In the main experiment, the fish were immunized with the strains and challenged with SAV3 eight weeks after immunization. Immunization resulted in infection both in injected fish and 2 weeks later in the cohabitant fish, followed by a persistent but declining load of the mutated virus variants in the hearts. The immunized fish developed clinical signs and pathology consistent with PD prior to challenge. However, fish injected with the virus mutated in both E2 and capsid showed little clinical signs and had higher average weight gain than the groups immunized with the single mutated variants. The SAV strain used for challenge was not detected in the immunized fish indicating that these fish were protected against superinfection with SAV during the 12 weeks of the experiment.

Effect of a novel DNA vaccine against pancreas disease caused by salmonid alphavirus subtype 3 in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Pancreas disease (PD) caused by salmonid alphavirus subtype 3 (SAV3) is a serious disease with large economic impact on farmed Norwegian Atlantic salmon production despite years of use of oil-adjuvanted vaccines against PD (OAVs). In this study, two commercially available PD vaccines, a DNA vaccine (DNAV) and an OAV, were compared in an experimental setting. At approximately 1040° days (dd) at 12 °C post immunization, the fish were challenged with SAV3 by cohabitation 9 days after transfer to sea water. Sampling was done prior to challenge and at 19, 54, and 83 days post-challenge (dpc). When compared to the OAV and control (Saline) groups, the DNAV group had significantly higher SAV3 neutralizing antibody titers after the immunization period, significantly lower SAV3 viremia levels at 19 dpc, significantly reduced transmission of SAV3 to naïve fish in the latter part of the viremic phase, significantly higher weight gain post-challenge, and significantly reduced prevalence and/or severity of SAV-induced morphologic changes in target organs. The DNAV group had also significantly higher post-challenge survival compared to the Saline group, but not to the OAV group. The data suggest that use of DNAV may reduce the economic impact of PD by protecting against destruction of the pancreas tissue and subsequent growth impairment which is the most common and costly clinical outcome of this disease.