Transcriptomic analysis reveals the key immune-related signalling pathways of Sebastiscus marmoratus in response to infection with the parasitic ciliate Cryptocaryon irritans.

Infection with C. irritans resulted in a large number of DEGs in the immune-related tissues of S. marmoratus. The rapid and significant response of the S. marmoratus immune signalling pathways following C. irritans infection may be associated with their involvement in the immune process.