Bacteria-type-specific biparental immune priming in the pipefish Syngnathus typhle.

ABSTRACT: The transfer of acquired and specific immunity against previously encountered bacteria from mothers to offspring boosts the immune response of the next generation and supports the development of a successful pathogen defense. While most studies claim that the transfer of immunity is a maternal trait, in the sex-role-reversed pipefish Syngnathus typhle, fathers nurse the embryos over a placenta-like structure, which opens the door for additional paternal immune priming. We examined the potential and persistence of bacteria-type-specific parental immune priming in the pipefish S. typhle over maturation time using a fully reciprocal design with two different bacteria species (Vibrio spp. and Tenacibaculum maritimum). Our results suggest that S. typhle is abl

SUBMITTER: Beemelmanns A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5058542 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature