Characterization and Immunological Profiling of Fish Blood
Date : 4 - 5 November 2024
Venue : Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Introduction
This training is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience in blood immune cell functional assays for the marine fish species. this training aims to develop immune functional assay techniques that participants can apply to immunomodulatory studies, such as optimizing diet, managing stress, and improving culture conditions in aquaculture.
Objectives
01
To learn and apply blood immune cell-derived functional assays relevant to immunomodulatory studies.
02
To gain practical skills in performing key immunological assays and interpreting their significance for fish health and aquaculture management.
03
To foster an understanding of the immune system of the humphead wrasse, a species with limited prior research, and its relevance to improving aquaculture practices.
Trainers / Speakers
Dr. Chong Chou Min
Senior Lecturer
Department of Aquaculture Faculty of Agriculture
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Dr. Low Chen Fei
Senior Lecturer
Institute of System Biology Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
01
Perform and interpret in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assays, including sample preparation and 24-hour incubation for accurate cell counting.
03
Execute lysozyme and myeloperoxidase assays to evaluate innate immune responses.
02
Conduct differential blood counts to identify and quantify immune cells in the blood of the marine fish
04
iscuss applications of these functional assays in assessment and optimization of factors like diet, stress, and culture conditions that impact immune health in aquaculture species.
Tentative Program
Day 1 : CELLULAR SUITE
8.00 am
Registration / Breakfast
• Welcome & Program Overview
8.30 am
Introduction
• Background on the humphead wrasse and its immune system.
• Discussion on the need for immune studies in this under-researched species.
9.30 am
In vitro Lymphocyte Proliferation Assay (Part A)
• Overview of lymphocyte roles in immune function.
• Practical demonstration of isolating lymphocytes from blood and setting up the assay.
• Note: The assay requires 24 hours for cell incubation before counting, which will continue on Day 2.
12.30 pm
Lunch & Afternoon break
1.30 pm
Differential Blood Count
• Understanding and performing blood cell identification and counting.
• Hands-on practice using microscopes to analyze blood smears.
4.30 pm
Finish Day 1
• Recap of activities and Q&A session.
Day 2 : HUMORAL SUITE
8.00 am
Breakfast
• Review and discuss key takeaways from Day 1.
8.30 am
Lysozyme Assay
• Overview of the lysozyme enzyme’s role in innate immunity.
• Hands-on session conducting lysozyme activity assays in blood samples.
10.30 am
Lymphocyte Proliferation Assay (Part B)
• Completion of the assay by counting lymphocyte cells after the 24-hour incubation.
• Analysis of results and discussion on their relevance to immune function studies.
12.30 pm
Lunch & Afternoon break
• Webinar - Fermentation in Aquaculture
1.30 pm
Myeloperoxidase Assay
• Understanding myeloperoxidase's role in immune response.
• Practical demonstration and execution of myeloperoxidase activity assessment in blood samples.
4.30 pm
Closing
• Summary of training, discussion on potential applications in diet optimization, stress management, and culture condition improvement for aquaculture.
• Final Q&A session, feedback, and certificate distribution.