Contract No. CT-2005-007103:

An integrated research project with 22 partners supported by the European Commission´s FP6 programme

Highlights from the integrated research project IMAQUANIM

Based on important disease models, this project concerns development of a technological knowledge platform for a future improved immunity to infectious pathogens in the major aquacultured species in Europe (Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, sea bream, sea bass, carp, mussel and oyster). Focus will be put on use of vaccines, immuno-stimulants, immuno-diagnostic surveillance as well as markers for selection of the most immuno competent individuals. Assays for qualitative and quantitative monitoring of key elements of the innate and adaptive immune system at genetic and functional levels will be established and used for determination of response profiles which correlate with protective immunity. IMAQUANIMs data will provide a strong technological basis for qualified strategies to counteract rapidly known or new diseases in aquacultured fish. The resulting gene arrays and immune-response assays will be employed to develop efficient vaccines and feed-based immuno-stimulants for finfish species.