Butyrate-induced trained immunity enhances bacterial killing ability of head kidney macrophages in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

Key Points

• Enhanced bacterial killing ability is observed in head kidney macrophages after butyrate treatment, showing a significant boost in immune response.
• Bacterial killing efficiency increased notably, with higher activity in macrophages exposed to butyrate over a controlled period of observation.
• Assessment of macrophage function reveals that butyrate induces trained immunity, leading to improved immune capabilities in turbot fish.
• This study suggests that butyrate might be leveraged to enhance fish health, yet more research on practical applications is needed.