Sustainable Management of Aquatic Animal Health: Advances in Immunology, Pathogenesis, and Innovative Disease Control Strategies

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic animal health is a critical factor influencing the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture. The increasing scale and intensification of aquaculture have led to more frequent and severe disease outbreaks caused by various pathogens, resulting in substantial economic losses and raising concerns about animal welfare. As a response, recent progress in immunology, molecular biology, and genomics has deepened our understanding of the immune systems of aquatic species and the mechanisms behind disease development. These advancements have opened up new avenues for improving disease detection, prevention, and treatment, enabling more precise and targeted approaches to aquacultural health management.

A better understanding of the innate and adaptive immune responses in aquatic animals has facilitated the identification of key immune-related genes and pathways involved in host defense against various pathogens. Studies focusing on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), signaling cascades, and effector molecules have provided insights into how aquatic organisms recognize and respond to infections. Furthermore, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses have revealed the dynamics of immune responses under different environmental and pathogenic stresses, highlighting the complex interplay between host and pathogen.

On the technological front, molecular diagnostics have evolved rapidly, offering new tools for the early and accurate detection of pathogens. Traditional methods such as PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are now complemented by CRISPR-based detection technologies, which offer faster, more sensitive, and field-deployable solutions for monitoring aquatic diseases. CRISPR/Cas systems, including CRISPR/Cas9, Cas12a, Cas13a, base editing, prime editing, CRISPRi/a, and multiplex genome editing, have demonstrated remarkable potential in detecting viral and bacterial pathogens with high precision, making them invaluable in disease surveillance and control.

Additionally, genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, are being leveraged to enhance the disease resistance of farmed aquatic species. Targeted gene knockouts and insertions have shown promise in creating strains with improved immunity and better growth performance, reducing the reliance on antibiotics and other chemical treatments. Beyond improving productivity, these genetic advancements contribute to the welfare of aquatic species by minimizing disease burden and stress.

This Special Issue will provide a platform for disseminating research on these topics, aiming to promote a holistic and integrated approach to aquatic animal health. By highlighting advances in pathogen detection, immune response mechanisms, CRISPR-based innovations, next-generation sequencing, and welfare-orientated strategies, this Special Issue will foster collaboration among researchers, veterinarians, and aquaculture practitioners, ultimately contributing to sustainable aquaculture development.

Dr. Baofeng Su
Dr. Dongdong Zhang
Guest Editors

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• aquatic animal health
• immunology
• pathogenesis
• CRISPR-based innovations
• sustainable aquaculture