Immune system and immune responses in rainbow trout

This chapter examines a revision of the immune structures and the different mechanistic responses with specific reference to the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The field of immunology has expanded substantially over the last few years and an increasing number of studies have reported on the array of mechanisms involving both immune cells and immune molecules, along with the innate and adaptive responses in trout and other fish species. The mechanisms of recognition, inflammation, agglutination, phagocytosis and foreign cell lysis are reviewed as well as the specific role of humoral mechanisms such as complement, interferon, lectins, immunoglobulins and other lytic proteins. Finally, the interconnection between the other regulatory systems and the immune system is reviewed, as well as the processes of immune stimulation and immune suppression. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.