Critical Windows in the Development of the Innate Immune System of the Medaka Fish

The Marine Medaka Oryzias melastigma is increasingly becoming the model of choice for the study of immunotoxicology, especially in regard to pathogen-induced abnormalities in the immune system that may manifest from challenges occurring during the critical stages of immune development. This study aimed to further outline the innate immune system of the Marine Medaka fish by finding the ideal bacterial challenger. The pathogens needed to produce a measurable immune response, without inducing morbidity, during the critical windows outlined by other papers. This research has implications for further studying the critical windows of the innate immune system and how pathogens may affect it.