Neuroendocrine-Immune Interactions in Teleost Fish

Teleost fish present a sophisticated integration of nervous, endocrine and immune systems, enabling rapid adaptation to environmental stressors and pathogen challenges. Central to this interplay is the hypothalamus–pituitary–interrenal (HPI) axis, which orchestrates glucocorticoid release—primarily cortisol—modulating energy metabolism and immune cell activity. The head kidney, a unique teleost organ analogous to the mammalian adrenal gland, houses both endocrine cells and lymphoid populations, facilitating local paracrine signalling between cytokines and hormones. Stress-induced activation of the HPI axis can suppress pro-inflammatory pathways through glucocorticoid receptor-mediated transcriptional regulation, while acute stress hormones such as adrenaline may transiently enhance certain immune functions. At barrier sites, mucosal tissues in gills, skin and intestine showcase tissue-specific responses, reflecting diverse receptor expression and microbial exposure. Pattern recognition receptors detect pathogens and initiate innate responses, but their activity can be fine-tuned by neuroendocrine mediators. Interferon regulatory factors and cytokine networks coordinate antiviral and antibacterial defences, with metabolic cues such as sterol synthesis further modulating immune activation. Understanding these bidirectional interactions provides crucial insights for aquaculture management, fish welfare and fundamental vertebrate immunology.

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Neuroendocrine-Immune Interactions in Teleost Fish publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in neuroendocrine-immune interactions in teleost fish across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Hypothalamus–pituitary–interrenal (HPI) axis: Neuroendocrine pathway regulating cortisol secretion in fish.

Cortisol: Main glucocorticoid hormone controlling metabolism and immune responses.

Head kidney: Teleost organ combining endocrine and immune cell functions.

Cytokine: Small signalling protein mediating immune cell communication.

Innate immunity: Rapid, non-specific defence mechanism against pathogens.

Mucosal immunity: Immune protection at barrier surfaces such as gills, skin and intestines.

Glucocorticoid receptor: Intracellular receptor binding cortisol to regulate gene expression.

Pattern recognition receptor: Receptor detecting conserved molecular patterns on pathogens.

Interferon regulatory factor (IRF): Transcription factor that drives antiviral gene expression.

References

1. Chronic stress boosts systemic inflammation and compromises antiviral innate immunity in Carassius gibel. Frontiers in Immunology (2023).
2. Transcriptomes of Zebrafish in Early Stages of Multiple Viral Invasions Reveal the Role of Sterols in Innate Immune Switch-On. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
3. Sea water acclimation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) modulates the mucosal transcript immune response induced by Vibrio anguillarum and Aeromonas salmonicida vaccine, and prevents further transcription of stress-immune genes in response to acute stress. Fish & Shellfish Immunology (2024).