The protective functions of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in combatting vibriosis: A review

• Summarized the symptoms of major aquaculture species infected by vibrio. • Summarized the alternative names of the members of the heat shock protein family. • Clarified the roles played by the members of the heat shock protein family. • Summarized the strategies for using heat shock proteins. This paper is aimed at providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the role played by the Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) family in the physiology, immune response, and overall health of aquaculture animals. Due to the increase in environmental temperature brought about by climate change, aquaculture animals are encountering escalating challenges. They are profoundly affected by various biological or abiotic external stressors, particularly extreme temperatures, which might lead to cell damage and death, cause a reduction in immune function, significantly increase the risk of disease for the farmed animals, and exert adverse impacts on the growth and overall health of the farmed animals. Vibriosis is one of the principal bacterial infectious diseases in aquaculture, and its infection outcomes are affected by various environmental stressors. As one of the most prevalent components of cellular stress responses, HSPs play a crucial role in maintaining cellular protein homeostasis. This paper undertakes a review of the studies concerning HSPs (sHSPs, HSP40s, HSP60s, HSP70s, and HSP90s) in aquatic animals. HSPs not only fulfill the function of molecular chaperones but also activate numerous innate immune responses. They play a vital role in enhancing the host's adaptability to heavy metal pollution, salinity, and pH and exert significant functions in the resistance of aquaculture animals against Vibrio infections. Additionally, non-fatal heat stress and exogenous HSP-inducing compounds that enhance the production of HSPs within the organism can facilitate aquatic animals in reinforcing their immune responses to both biological and abiotic stressors. These studies centered on HSPs in aquatic animals are of utmost significance in the contemporary era that is confronted with the challenges of climate change.