Characterization of a CD59 in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

CD59, a multifunctional glycoprotein, not only plays a regulatory role in complement cascades, but also participates in modulation of teleostean immunity. In this study, full length sequence of EcCD59 was obtained, comprising a 5'UTR of 163 bp, an ORF of 354 bp and a 3'UTR of 559 bp. EcCD59 gene encoded a polypeptide of 117 amino acids. Tissue-specific analysis revealed that the highest expression of EcCD59 mRNA was observed in muscle. Vibrio alginolyticus challenge can significantly increase EcCD59 mRNA expression in liver, kidney and spleen. EcCD59 distribution was detected by a combined approach using GFP-overexpression, immunofluorescence and ELISA assay, indicating that EcCD59 may be predominantly aggregated in cellular membrane. Both EcCD59 and EcCD59delGPI can directly bind to V. alginolyticus and decrease the in vitro growth of V. alginolyticus. Additionally, vibrio injection experiment indicated that the binding of EcCD59 or EcCD59delGPI to V. alginolyticus can restrict its growth rate in vivo. In this study, we found that EcCD59 may be involved in immune defense against vibrio infection in a complement-independent manner.