Imported high-quality phospholipids,Effects on immune function

Phospholipids have an important impact on the immune function of aquatic animals, and their mechanism of action mainly includes the following aspects:

I. Maintaining the Integrity of the Structure and Function of the Cell Membrane

Phospholipids are the main components that constitute the cell membranes of aquatic animals. The composition and content of their fatty acids will affect the fluidity, permeability, and stability of the cell membrane. An appropriate phospholipid composition helps to maintain the normal structure of the cell membrane, enabling the membrane receptors of immune cells (such as macrophages, lymphocytes, etc.) to function properly, recognize and bind to pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and initiate an immune response.

For example, when aquatic animals are deficient in phospholipids, the fluidity of the cell membrane will decrease, resulting in a decline in the deformation ability and phagocytic ability of immune cells, which affects the clearance of pathogens.

II. Participation in Signal Transduction Pathways

Phospholipids can act as signaling molecules and participate in the signal transduction process within immune cells. For example, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) can generate inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) under the action of phospholipase C. IP3 can promote the release of calcium ions within the cell, activating signaling molecules such as calmodulin, while DAG can activate protein kinase C (PKC), and then regulate the proliferation, differentiation of immune cells, and the secretion of cytokines.

Studies have found that when fish are infected by bacteria, the signal pathways involving phospholipids can regulate the expression of immune-related genes, promote the activation of immune cells and the release of immune factors, and enhance the body's immune defense ability.

III. Regulation of the Activity of Immune-related Enzymes

Phospholipids have a regulatory effect on the activity of some immune-related enzymes. For example, phospholipids can affect the activity of lysozyme. Lysozyme is an important antibacterial enzyme that can destroy the bacterial cell wall and plays an important role in the non-specific immunity of aquatic animals. An appropriate level of phospholipids can maintain the activity of lysozyme and enhance the body's resistance to bacteria.

In addition, phospholipids may also affect the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), helping aquatic animals to eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species in the body, reduce oxidative damage, and maintain the normal function of immune cells.

IV. Influence on the Function of Immune Cells

Phospholipids can affect the function of immune cells. For macrophages, phospholipids can regulate their phagocytic ability and the secretion of cytokines. Sufficient supply of phospholipids helps macrophages to better recognize and phagocytize pathogens, and release cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to initiate an immune inflammatory response.

For lymphocytes, phospholipids are involved in their proliferation and differentiation processes. After aquatic animals are stimulated by antigens, an appropriate phospholipid environment is conducive to the activation and proliferation of lymphocytes, generating specific antibody or cellular immune responses, and enhancing the body's specific immune function.

V. Serving as an Energy Source

Phospholipids can be catabolized in the bodies of aquatic animals, releasing substances such as fatty acids and phosphoric acid, providing energy for the body. In the state of immune stress, the energy demand of aquatic animals increases, and the catabolism of phospholipids can provide energy support for the activation and proliferation of immune cells, as well as the synthesis of immune molecules and other processes.

For example, when aquatic animals are infected with diseases, the body's immune defense system is activated and requires a large amount of energy. The energy supply function of phospholipids helps to maintain the normal operation of the immune function.