Molecular Characterization of E-Type Prostanoid Receptor 4 (EP4) from Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) and Its Functional Analysis in the Monocytes/Macrophages

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays an important role in a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological processes by interacting with E-type prostanoid receptors (EPs). EP4 is one of four EP subtypes known to mediate the immune response in mammalian monocytes/macrophages. However, the precise function and characteristics of EP4 in fish remain unclear. In this study, we characterized a novel EP4-like (PaEP4L) gene from ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis. The cDNA sequence of PaEP4L is 2781 nucleotides (nts) in length, encoding a polypeptide of 459 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 51.17 kDa. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that PaEP4L shared 76% amino acid identity with that of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). PaEP4L mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (QPCR) in all tested tissues and head kidney-derived monocytes/macrophages (MO/MФ). It varied greatly in liver, spleen and MO/MФ upon Vibrio anguillarum infection. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase of PaEP4L in cell homogenates from ayu MO/MФ upon V. anguillarum infection. Moreover, anti-PaEP4L IgG reversed the down-regulation of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) mRNA expression as well as phagocytosis in ayu MO/MФ caused by PGE2. There were no significant differences in the respiratory burst response between PGE2 treated and untreated cells. We further found that cAMP mediated PGE2/PaEP4L signal in ayu MO/MФ. In conclusion, our results indicate that PaEP4L mediates PGE2 effects on ayu MO/MФ function, revealing that EP4 also plays a role in the modulation of cells of the fish’s innate immune system.