dsRNA induced specific and non-specific immunity in crustaceans and other invertebrates and biodelivery vehicles for use therein

US8633028B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MUSC Foundation for Research Development · US

Inventors

• Paul Gross · Darmstadt, DE
• Gregory Warr · Charleston, US
• Robert Chapman · Colorado Springs, US
• Craig Browdy · Charleston, US
• Javier Robalino · Charleston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 2, 2004
• Grant date: Jan 21, 2014
• Expiry date: Sep 21, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A50/30
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Methods for inducing systemic, non-specific and/or sequence specific immune responses in invertebrates, e.g., marine invertebrates such as mollusks, porifera, ctenophora, echinodermas, marine worms, cnideria and preferably crustaceans, by the administration of at least one dsRNA, that confers immunity against a pathogen, or modulates expression of gene that affects growth, reproduction, and general health or “robustness” are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying invertebrate genes, e.g., crustacean genes, the expression of which is involved in the induction of non-specific (systemic) immune responses against pathogens. Also disclosed are preferred delivery systems and methods for stably administering at least one dsRNA to a crustacean whereby the dsRNA is administered via injection, immersion, in a feed or nutrient medium or comprised in a microorganism, e.g., yeast or microalgae, that expresses said dsRNA and is ingestible by said crustacean, e.g., a shrimp.