Immunology and Disease Prevention and Control in Aquatic Animals

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture plays a crucial role in supplying the global population with high-quality animal protein. Currently, the leading aquaculture species include fish, shrimp, crabs, shellfish, and sea cucumbers. In recent years, the demand for aquatic products has been increasing. Driven by profits, the density of aquaculture is rising, and the pressure on the aquaculture environment is intensifying, which leads to frequent outbreaks of diseases among aquatic animals. Research on the immunology of aquatic animals significantly contributes to resolving disease-related issues. Disease outbreaks typically arise from an imbalance between the host, pathogen, and environment.

In response, various products, such as Chinese herbs, beneficial microorganisms, immune enhancers, and feed additives, have been developed to prevent and control diseases in aquaculture. These technologies have demonstrated some success in disease prevention and control. Additionally, the development of fish vaccines is of great importance, as it reduces the reliance on antibiotics and improves the quality and safety of aquatic products. Breeding for disease resistance has emerged as an effective strategy for disease prevention and control in aquaculture.

However, the pathogenesis of many emerging and common pathogens remains poorly understood. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying aquatic animal immunity against infections are still being elucidated. Moreover, the role of pathogen–host–environment interactions in disease occurrence and the mechanisms driving these interactions require further investigation.

We welcome prospective authors to contribute Original Research, Review, and Perspective articles covering, but not limited to, the following subtopics:

1. The mechanisms of the pathogen–host–environment interactions;
2. Molecular mechanisms underlying host immunity responses to infection;
3. Escape mechanism of pathogen avoidance innate immunity;
4. New therapeutic strategies for pathogen infections in aquatic animals;
5. Research on epidemic disease prevention, control, and immunity regulation in aquatic animals.

Dr. Hongliang Zuo
Prof. Dr. Jiejie Sun
Dr. Linwei Yang
Topic Editors