The phoQ Gene of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida Influences the Immune Response in Hybrid Groupers During Infection

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida is known to cause visceral white spot disease in various species of teleost fish, leading to significant negative impacts on the aquaculture industry. The PhoP/PhoQ two-component system plays a critical role in regulating bacterial virulence and maintaining internal environmental balance. This study aims to investigate the effect of the PhoP/PhoQ system on P. plecoglossicida infection in hybrid grouper. By comparing the pathogenicity of the phoQ gene knockout strain, phoQ gene complemented strain, and wild-type strain (NZBD9) in hybrid grouper, combined with RNA-seq analysis, the study explores the impact of the phoQ gene on the host's immune response.