Molecular Characterization of Interferon Regulatory Factor 10 in Red Sea Bream (Pagrus major) and Expression Analysis Following RSIV Infection

Abstract

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) exhibit antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. In this research, we isolated the IRF10 genes from red sea bream (Pagrus major) and examined their expression following red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) infection. Analysis of multiple sequences identified preserved components, such as the IRF-association domain, nuclear localization signal, and DNA-binding domain. Phylogenetic examination showed that PmIRF10 grouped with IRF10 equivalents in fish. We utilized quantitative real-time PCR to explore IRF10 expression in normal tissues, revealing increased expression levels in the gill and spleen. Our results indicate that PmIRF10 plays a role in the immune response, as evidenced by the controlled expression levels of IRFs after RSIV infection in red sea bream. This finding aligns with prior research on different fish species. Overall, this investigation characterizes IRF genes in red sea bream and provides a basis for comparative analysis of IRF genes.