Different expression of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) haemocytes to Vibrio and abiotic particle inoculation

Penaeid shrimps are among the most studied crustaceans, mainly regarding their immune system, and several proteins involved in the defense against pathogens have been described. Haemocytes are very dynamic cells responsible of recognition, phagocytosis, degranulation and nodule formation, but still little is known about their gene expression. Using differential display, we found modification in haemocyte gene expression after inoculation with an abiotic particle (DEAE-Sephadex) or potential pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus). We also noticed that some of the newly expressed genes are exclusive from a specific treatment. Here we report that haemocytes from Litopenaeus vannamei are capable of recognizing and distinguishing different foreign materials, and respond specifically to each treatment, indicating some specificity in shrimp immune response.