Immunomodulatory Effects of Prebiotics in Aquaculture

Prebiotics are non‐digestible dietary compounds that beneficially alter the gut microbiota of farmed fish, leading to enhanced host immunity. By promoting the growth of commensal bacteria, these substrates increase production of short‐chain fatty acids and other metabolites that interact with immune cells at mucosal surfaces. In teleosts, prebiotic supplementation has been shown to upregulate pattern‐recognition receptors, complement factors and antimicrobial peptides, while modulating cytokine profiles to temper excessive inflammation. Concurrent improvements in antioxidant enzyme activities further protect against oxidative stress and immune suppression under intensive rearing conditions. Research spanning diverse species—from trout to tilapia—underscores the role of prebiotics in strengthening intestinal, skin and gill barriers, enhancing disease resistance and supporting growth performance. This microbiome–host‐immune axis underpins a sustainable strategy to reduce antibiotic reliance and improve welfare in global aquaculture.

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Immunomodulatory Effects of Prebiotics in Aquaculture publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in immunomodulatory effects of prebiotics in aquaculture across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Prebiotic: A non-digestible feed component that selectively stimulates beneficial gut microbes.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Microbial metabolites (e.g. acetate, butyrate) that regulate host inflammation and barrier integrity.

Toll-like receptor (TLR): A family of pattern-recognition receptors that detect microbial molecules and initiate innate immune signalling.

Goblet cell: An epithelial cell that secretes mucus, contributing to mucosal barrier function and defence.

References

1. Effects of dietary supplementation of lignocellulose-derived cello-oligosaccharides on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune response, and intestinal microbiota in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Aquaculture (2024).
2. Effects of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) as a Prebiotic Supplement in the Diet of Red Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.). Animals (2022).
3. Study of the Effect of Dietary Agavin Supplementation in Blood Parameters and Antioxidant Enzymes of Juvenile Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under Stress Conditions. Fishes (2022).