Interferon‐Like Signaling Pathway in Crustaceans: Structure, Immune Function, and Prospects for Disease Control in Aquaculture

ABSTRACT Emerging evidence has revealed the existence of an interferon‐like signaling pathway in invertebrates that is functionally analogous to the vertebrate cGAS‐STING‐IFN‐ISG axis and central to antiviral defense. Crustaceans, as one of the most economically significant taxa in global aquaculture, provide a valuable model for uncovering innate immune mechanisms relevant to host‐pathogen interactions and disease management. In shrimp and other crustaceans, key components homologous to vertebrate interferon signaling molecules, such as the cGAS‐like receptor, STING, IRF, interferon functional analog (e.g., Vago), JAK/STAT, and various interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs), have been identified and functionally characterized. These discoveries have led to the delineation of a conserved signaling cascade that triggers broad‐spectrum, sequence‐independent antiviral responses and contributes to antibacterial immunity. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the interferon‐like pathway in crustaceans, with an emphasis on signal transduction mechanisms, the structural and functional roles of core components, and the molecular interplay between host immunity and viral pathogens. In addition, we discuss the pathways relevance to antibacterial defense and explore its practical applications in aquaculture, including selective breeding for disease resistance and immunotherapeutic development. Comparative analysis with vertebrate interferon signaling highlights both conserved features and crustacean‐specific adaptations. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and outline future research directions aimed at leveraging this pathway to enhance health management in aquaculture systems.