Prof Christopher Secombes

I am a comparative immunologist with a research focus on the immune system of fish. From an evolutionary perspective fish are fascinating to study as a very diverse group of vertebrates, that inhibit many varied environments, and that possess a complex immune system composed of innate and adaptive (specific) responses. The fish immune system is also of practical importance. Fish farming has expanded enormously over the last few decades, paralleled by many disease problems. For successful control of disease in aquaculture a multifaceted approach is needed, whereby good husbandry, use of genetically selected fish stock, and use of chemotherapeutics, vaccines and immunostimulants combine to improve overall fish health.

Current research is centred on: 1) characterisation of cytokines of adaptive immunity in fish, to develop correlates of protective immunity, 2) characterisation of T cell subpopulations in fish, to aid vaccine development and give an insight into the evolution of immunoregulation in vertebrates, and 3) vaccine development against saprolegniosis and proliferative kidney disease, major disease problems for salmon and trout farming, respectively.