The present work provides the first information concerning the immunostimulatory activity of trout interleukin (IL)-1beta-derived peptides in vivo. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of 2 such peptides, referred to as P1 and P3, to up-regulate a range of important immune parameters in vitro. P1 corresponds to fragment 146-157 (YVTPVPIETEAR) of the trout sequence and is analogous to a biologically active mammalian IL-1beta-derived peptide, whilst P3 was synthesised to complex with the IL-1 receptor and corresponds to fragment 197-206 (YRRNTGVDIS) of the trout sequence. Optimal migration of peritoneal leucocytes, peptide induced phagocytosis and intracellular respiratory burst activity occurred following intraperitoneal injection of 3.0 micromol of P3. Furthermore, resistance to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) was soon augmented (2 d) post-injection of P3.