Immune Adaptations in Aquatic Species: Defenses, Gene Diversity, and Environmental Stressors

Aquatic environments present unique challenges that require robust immune defenses for species survival. Along with fluctuating physical factors like temperature changes, pollution, and nutrient availability—factors exacerbated by climate change—aquatic organisms are continuously exposed to pathogens that threaten their health and survival. Despite the critical role of the immune system in mediating responses to these environmental and pathogenic pressures, the immune mechanisms of many aquatic species, particularly non-model organisms, remain poorly understood. By expanding research into immune responses, genetic diversity, and pathology, we can gain a more integrated understanding of how aquatic species adapt and thrive in changing environments.

This Research Topic aims to explore the immune responses and adaptations of aquatic species to environmental challenges and pathogen exposure. Immune function is essential to the survival of aquatic organisms, yet much remains to be discovered regarding how these systems operate under environmental stressors such as pollution, temperature shifts, and evolving pathogen loads. This Research Topic will focus on understanding the immune mechanisms, from molecular processes to ecological outcomes, that enable aquatic species to cope with such stressors. Recent advances in genomics, immunology, and environmental science offer new opportunities to explore aquatic organisms' immune diversity and resilience. Contributions focusing on immune system diversity, disease pathology, and environmental impacts will help broaden our understanding of these vital defense systems.

This Research Topic invites submissions focused on the immune system diversity and pathology of aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates, with a particular focus on non-model and understudied species. Both original research and review articles are welcome. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Immune mechanisms in aquatic species
• Host-pathogen interactions in aquatic environments
• Genetic diversity of immune systems in aquatic organisms
• Immunopathology and disease diagnostics
• Immune system responses to climate change and pollution
• Microbiome interactions with host immunity
• Comparative immunogenomics in aquatic species
• Evolution of immune responses in aquatic ecosystems