Recent advances in vaccination strategies against acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimp for sustainable aquaculture industry: A comprehensive review

Authors

• Tijani Isa, Universiti Malaya
• Riyanto Teguh Widodo, Universiti Malaya
• Suzita Mohd Noor, Universiti Malaya
• Nur Asyura Nor Amdan, Institute for Medical Research
• Zulhisyam Abdul Kari, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
• Norhidayah Mohd Taufek, Institute of Biological Sciences
• Fathiah Mohamed Zuki, Universiti Malaya
• Alias Abdullah, Universiti Malaya
• Subha Bhassu, Institute of Biological Sciences
• Zarif Mohamed Sofian, Universiti Malaya
• Sagir Mustapha, Universiti Malaya
• Didi Erwandi Mohamad Haron, Universiti Malaya
• Ahmad Khusairi Azemi, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
• Muhammad Luqman Nordin, Universiti Malaya

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Abstract

Shrimp farming represents one of the most economically vital branches of aquaculture, significantly contributing to global food security and livelihoods, especially in Asia and Latin America. Countries such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Bangladesh are major producers, with LitoPenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon accounting for over 90 % of global shrimp production. Despite its economic value, the industry faces persistent threats from disease outbreaks, notably acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). Antibiotic use, once common for disease control, is now restricted due to risks of resistance and environmental harm. Vaccination has emerged as a promising alternative, focusing on stimulating shrimp's innate immunity through DNA vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines, live-attenuated, and whole cell-inactivated methods. Field and laboratory trials have shown promising results, including high levels of protection, improved survival rates, and increased expression of immune-related genes. Despite these advances, challenges persist, such as limited immune responses in juvenile shrimp, the absence of standardized immune markers, antigen degradation during oral delivery, and genetic diversity among V. parahaemolyticus strains. Continued research in shrimp immune mechanisms, antigen selection, and vaccine formulation is crucial to develop effective, scalable, and economically feasible vaccines for effective and sustainable AHPND prevention. This review highlights current vaccine strategies, field trial outcomes, challenges, and future directions, underscoring the potential of vaccination in integrated AHPND control for sustainable shrimp aquaculture.

Publication Title

Fish and Shellfish Immunology

ISSN

10504648

DOI

10.1016/j.fsi.2026.111136

Recommended Citation

Isa, Tijani; Widodo, Riyanto Teguh; Noor, Suzita Mohd; Amdan, Nur Asyura Nor; Kari, Zulhisyam Abdul; Taufek, Norhidayah Mohd; Zuki, Fathiah Mohamed; Abdullah, Alias; Bhassu, Subha; Sofian, Zarif Mohamed; Mustapha, Sagir; Haron, Didi Erwandi Mohamad; Azemi, Ahmad Khusairi; and Nordin, Muhammad Luqman, "Recent advances in vaccination strategies against acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimp for sustainable aquaculture industry: A comprehensive review" (2026). Research Publications (2026 to 2030). 193.
https://knova.um.edu.my/research_publications_2026_2030/193

Volume

170