Importantly, the increased numbers of L/CD207+ cells in combination with elevated IFN-γ gene expression at the early stages of exposure, followed by significant decreases in the DC-like cell numbers and relatively low expressed IFN-γ gene at 7 d post-exposure in catfish vaccinated with both LAVs, suggest the involvement of LC in the initiation of innate immune responses and their migration/maturation from the AK to the site of infection, the gills, after 3 day pc. The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is infection.