High density lipoproteins down-regulate transcriptional expression of pro-inflammatory factors and oxidative burst in head kidney leukocytes from rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Teleosts are the first group of vertebrates possessing an acquired immune system; however, it is less developed than in mammals and is highly influenced by environmental changes. Therefore, innate immunity effectors play a more critical role in survival of pathogen-challenged fish. In a previous study we showed that trout high density lipoprotein (HDL), and its major apolipoprotein (ApoA-I) are widely expressed in primary defense barriers and other immune-relevant tissues, displaying important antibacterial activity in vitro. Here we show that trout HDL inhibits both basal and LPS-induced transcript expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β, and the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (A-SAA), in head kidney leukocytes (HLK) from rainbow trout. In addition, trout HDL was able to block the respiratory burst of PMA-stimulated HKL, at physiological concentrations and in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, this effect was only partially mimicked by supra-physiologic concentrations of the HDL-transported carotenoid, astaxanthin. These results constitute the first data suggesting that in addition to its antimicrobial activity, HDL would have a relevant immunomodulatory role in salmonid fish.