Immune mechanism of n-butanol extract of Clerodendrum bungei against loach infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

In this study, pathways related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were enriched after infection with <i>A. hydrophila</i> for 24 h, which may be because the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells require a large number of nutrients to provide energy. This indicates that pathogens did not appear in the loach until exposure to <i>A. hydrophila</i> for 24 h. After infection, both autophagy and mTOR signaling pathway are activated to promote the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells, induce the production of type I IFN and inflammatory factors, and then trigger innate and specific immunity. These findings could provide a basis for the research and development of antibacterial agents based on <i>C. bungei</i> and the application of biopesticides in aquaculture, especially in loach farming.