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Huo L, Yao X, Zhang N, Wang S, Bai S, Wang Y, Wei J, An S. Enhancing the Survival of Ichneumonid Parasitoid Campoletis chlorideae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) by Utilizing Haserpin-e Protein to Effectively Manage Lepidopteran Pests. INSECTS 2025; 16:474. [PMID: 40429187 PMCID: PMC12112269 DOI: 10.3390/insects16050474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2025] [Revised: 03/28/2025] [Accepted: 04/28/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025]
Abstract
The ichneumonid parasitoid Campoletis chlorideae is an important natural enemy of lepidopteran pests in different agro-ecosystems, specifically targeting early larvae (second- and third-instar). Enhancing the survival of C. chlorideae, especially within hosts, remains a significant technical challenge for large-scale indoor reproduction. This study investigates the use of endogenous serpin-e protein, derived from the host Helicoverpa armigera (Haserpin-e), to improve the survival rate of C. chlorideae in indoor reproduction. The results demonstrated that Haserpin-e protein significantly enhanced cocoon production in C. chlorideae, with no observable adverse effects on the life history traits of both F0 and F1 generations of C. chlorideae. By investigating the mechanism underlying cocoon formation promotion, it was found that Haserpin-e protein reduced the encapsulation, inhibited melanization, as well as suppressed the expression of antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) in H. armigera. This study provides novel insights into improving the survival of C. chlorideae by inhibiting host immune responses through the application of its endogenous Haserpin-e protein during large-scale indoor reproduction efforts. Additionally, this research further elucidates the multifaceted functionality of Haserpin-e proteins by demonstrating their role in regulating innate immune processes in H. armigera, including negatively regulating encapsulation, melanization, and AMP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuming Huo
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China;
| | - Xue Yao
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (X.Y.); (N.Z.); (S.W.); (S.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Ningbo Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (X.Y.); (N.Z.); (S.W.); (S.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Shengyi Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (X.Y.); (N.Z.); (S.W.); (S.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Sufen Bai
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (X.Y.); (N.Z.); (S.W.); (S.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Yanmei Wang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China;
| | - Jizhen Wei
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (X.Y.); (N.Z.); (S.W.); (S.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Shiheng An
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (X.Y.); (N.Z.); (S.W.); (S.B.); (S.A.)
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Xie MQ, Wang LJ, Xiao HM, Wei SJ. Regulatory networks of mRNAs and miRNAs involved in the immune response of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella to fungal infection. BMC Genomics 2025; 26:15. [PMID: 39762741 PMCID: PMC11706182 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-11192-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 12/27/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea, shows promise as a biological control agent in managing the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella, a highly destructive global pest of cruciferous vegetables. To date, the miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks underlying the immune response of DBM to I. fumosorosea infection are still poorly understood. Here, we characterize the expression profiles of miRNA and mRNA, and construct the miRNA-gene regulatory network in DBM infected with I. fumosorosea. RESULTS We identified 580 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 55 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in I. fumosorosea-infected DBM. Among these DEGs, we found 28 immunity-related genes, which mainly include pattern recognition receptors, signal modulators, and immune effectors. Integrated analysis discovered 87 negative correlation pairs between miRNA and mRNA, involving 40 DEMs and 62 DEGs in infected DBM. Additionally, 13 miRNAs and 10 corresponding mRNAs were identified as candidate miRNA-mRNA pairs for DBM immunity against fungal infection. Gene functional enrichment analysis indicated that these miRNAs could target genes associated with various pathways, such as the immune system, infectious diseases, digestive system, endocrine system, nervous system, and signal transduction. Finally, the regulatory relationships of six miRNA-mRNA pairs were validated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we present integrated miRNA and mRNA data to elucidate the immune response of the DBM to fungal infection. Our findings enhance the understanding of the immune response of the DBM to entomopathogenic fungi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Qiong Xie
- College of Life Sciences and Resources and Environment, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China
| | - Long-Jiang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China.
| | - Hua-Mei Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Resources and Environment, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China
| | - Shu-Jun Wei
- Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
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3
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Wang G, Chen B, Zhang X, Du G, Han G, Liu J, Peng Y. The basic leucine zipper domain (bZIP) transcription factor BbYap1 promotes evasion of host humoral immunity and regulates lipid homeostasis contributing to fungal virulence in Beauveria bassiana. mSphere 2024; 9:e0035124. [PMID: 38926907 PMCID: PMC11288043 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00351-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Basic leucine zipper domain transcription factors (TFs), of which yeast activator protein (Yap) is a significant class, are crucial for the development of sclerotia, the stress response, vegetative growth, and spore adhesion. Nevertheless, nothing is known about how Yap TFs contribute to the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungus. In this work, Beauveria bassiana was used to identify and knock out the yeast gene BbYap1, which is similar to Yap. The BbYap1 gene deletion has an impact on lipid homeostasis of B. bassiana; oleic acid, for example, dropped by 95.69%. The BbYap1 mutant exhibited much less virulence and vegetative development in comparison to the wild strain, while demonstrating a greater sensitivity to chemical stress. It is noteworthy that the physiological abnormalities brought on by BbYap1 deletion were largely repaired by the addition of exogenous oleic acid, as seen by the notable increase in insect survival in the blood cavity injection group. Following infection with the BbYap1 mutant, the host exhibits a considerable down-regulation of the expression of β-1,3-glucan recognition protein, gallerimycin, gloverin, and moricin-like protein genes. Likewise, the introduction of exogenous oleic acid markedly increased the host's expression of the aforementioned genes. In summary, BbYap1 regulates cellular enzyme lipid homeostasis and fungal virulence by eluding host humoral defense, which contributes to fungal chemical stress and vegetative development. IMPORTANCE Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) offer an effective and eco-friendly alternative to curb insect populations in biocontrol strategy. When EPF enter the hemolymph of their host, they encounter a variety of stress reactions, such as immunological and oxidative stress. Basic leucine zipper domain transcription factors, of which yeast activator protein (Yap) is a significant class, have diverse biological functions related to metabolism, development, reproduction, conidiation, stress responses, and pathogenicity. This study demonstrates that BbYap1 of Beauveria bassiana regulates cellular enzyme lipid homeostasis and fungal virulence by eluding host humoral defense, which contributes to fungal chemical stress and vegetative development. These findings offer fresh perspectives for comprehending molecular roles of YAP in EPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Wang
- Yunnan State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources, Yunnan Agricultural University, College of Plant Protection, Kunming, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Yunnan State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources, Yunnan Agricultural University, College of Plant Protection, Kunming, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Yunnan State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources, Yunnan Agricultural University, College of Plant Protection, Kunming, China
| | - Guangzu Du
- Yunnan State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources, Yunnan Agricultural University, College of Plant Protection, Kunming, China
| | - Guangyu Han
- Yunnan State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources, Yunnan Agricultural University, College of Plant Protection, Kunming, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Potato Biology, School of Life Science, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuejin Peng
- Yunnan State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources, Yunnan Agricultural University, College of Plant Protection, Kunming, China
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Ji Y, Lu T, Zou Z, Wang Y. Aedes aegypti CLIPB9 activates prophenoloxidase-3 in the presence of CLIPA14 after fungal infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:927322. [PMID: 35967454 PMCID: PMC9365933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.927322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanization is an integral part of the insect defense system and is often induced by pathogen invasion. Phenoloxidases (POs) are critical enzymes that catalyze melanin formation. PO3 is associated with the antifungal response of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, but the molecular mechanism of the prophenoloxidase-3 (PPO3) activation is unclear. Here we report that PPO3 cleavage activation is mediated by a clip-domain serine protease, CLIPB9. We purified recombinant CLIPB9 and found that it cleaved PPO3 and increased PO activity in the hemolymph. We then identified CLIPA14 (a serine protease homolog) by co-immunoprecipitation using anti-CLIPB9 antibody. After being cleaved by CLIPB9, Ae. aegypti CLIPA14 acted as a cofactor for PPO3 activation. In addition, dsRNA co-silencing of CLIPB9 and CLIPA14 genes reduced melanization after infection with the entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana, making the adult mosquitoes more sensitive to fungal infection. These results illustrate the roles of CLIPB9 and CLIPA14 in the PPO activation pathway and revealed the complexity of the upstream serine protease network controlling melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tengfei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanhong Wang, ; Zhen Zou,
| | - Yanhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanhong Wang, ; Zhen Zou,
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Wang JL, Yang KH, Wang SS, Li XL, Liu J, Yu YX, Liu XS. Infection of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi suppresses cellular immunity and activates humoral antibacterial immunity of the host Spodoptera frugiperda. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:2828-2837. [PMID: 35394109 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metarhizium rileyi is an entomopathogenic fungus with promising potential for controlling agricultural pests, including Spodoptera frugiperda. Following penetration of the host through the cuticle, M. rileyi cells transform into in vivo blastospores or hyphal bodies, propagating within the hemocoel. However, the strategies and molecular mechanisms by which M. rileyi survives upon exposure to the powerful insect immune system remain unclear. RESULTS We determined the pathogenicity of M. rileyi and found that either conidial immersion or blastospore injection significantly decreased S. frugiperda survival in a dose-dependent manner. Injection of M. rileyi blastospores decreased the number of S. frugiperda hemocytes and impaired host cellular reactions such as nodulation, encapsulation and phagocytosis. Blastospore injection led to increased antibacterial activity in plasma at 48 h post-injection (hpi). RNA-sequencing analyses identified a large number of antimicrobial peptide genes upregulated in the fat body of M. rileyi-infected larvae at 48 hpi, which may be attributable to the activation of Toll and IMD signaling pathway. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that the compromised cellular immunity of the insect host is due to the marked decrease in hemocytes and impaired cellular cytoskeletons, which may facilitate early infection by M. rileyi. Late in the course of infection, the enhanced antibacterial activity of plasma, which may be in response to intestinal evading bacteria, cannot inhibit hyphal growth in hemolymph. Our data provide a comprehensive resource for exploring the molecular mechanism employed by M. rileyi to overcome S. frugiperda immunity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke-Hui Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Si Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin-Lin Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye-Xin Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
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6
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Ji J, Shen D, Zhang S, Wang L, An C. Serpin-4 Facilitates Baculovirus Infection by Inhibiting Melanization in Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Front Immunol 2022; 13:905357. [PMID: 35757693 PMCID: PMC9218052 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.905357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenoloxidase (PO)-catalyzed melanization is a vital immune response in insects for defense against pathogen infection. This process is mediated by clip domain serine proteases and regulated by members of the serpin superfamily. We here revealed that the infection of Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) significantly inhibited the PO activity in Ostrinia furnacalis hemolymph and induced the expression of O. furnacalis serpin-4. Addition of recombinant serpin-4 protein to O. furnacalis hemolymph resulted in a great increase of AcMNPV copies. Serpin-4 significantly suppressed the PO activity and the amidase activity in cleaving colorimetric substrate IEARpNA (IEARase activity) of hemolymph. Further experiments indicated it formed covalent complexes with three serine proteases (SP1, SP13 and SP105) and prevented them from cleaving their cognate downstream proteases in vitro. Altogether, O. furnacalis melanization restricted AcMNPV replication and serpin-4 facilitated AcMNPV infection by inhibiting serine proteases, SP1, SP13, and SP105 which were all involved in the melanization response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Ji
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxu Shen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunju An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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7
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Heng J, Liu H, Xu J, Huang X, Sun X, Yang R, Xia Q, Zhao P. KPI5 Is Involved in the Regulation of the Expression of Antibacterial Peptide Genes and Hemolymph Melanization in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori. Front Immunol 2022; 13:907427. [PMID: 35669774 PMCID: PMC9164257 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.907427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kunitz-type protease inhibitors (KPIs) are ubiquitously found in many organisms, and participate in various physiological processes. However, their function in insects remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we characterized and functionally analyzed silkworm KPI5. Sequence analysis showed that KPI5 contains 85 amino acids with six conserved cysteine residues, and the P1 site is a phenylalanine residue. Inhibitory activity and stability analyses indicated that recombinant KPI5 protein significantly inhibited the activity of chymotrypsin and was highly tolerant to temperature and pH. The spatio-temporal expression profile analysis showed that KPI5 was synthesized in the fat body and secreted into the hemolymph. In vivo induction analysis showed that the expression of KPI5 in the fat body was significantly upregulated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Binding assays suggested that KPI5 can bind to pathogens and PAMPs. In vitro pathogen growth inhibition assay and encapsulation analysis indicated that KPI5 can neither kill pathogenic bacteria directly nor promote the encapsulation of agarose beads by silkworm hemocytes. Recombinant protein injection test and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockdown showed that KPI5 promotes the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the fat body. Moreover, the survival rate of individuals in the KPI5 knockdown group was significantly lower than that of the control group after pathogen infection. Phenoloxidase (PO) activity assays showed that KPI5 significantly inhibited the hemolymph PO activity and melanization induced by PAMPs. These findings suggested that KPI5 plays a dual regulatory role in innate immunity by promoting the expression of antimicrobial peptides in the fat body and inhibiting hemolymph melanization. Our study furthers the understanding of the function of insect KPIs and provides new insights into the regulatory mechanism of insect immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingya Heng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaotong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Runze Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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8
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Gu Q, Wu Z, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Shi M, Huang J, Chen X. A teratocyte-specific serpin from the endoparasitoid wasp Cotesia vestalis inhibits the prophenoloxidase-activating system of its host Plutella xylostella. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:202-215. [PMID: 34897868 PMCID: PMC9303735 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many endoparasitoids adopt several parasitic factors, such as venom, polydnavirus and teratocytes, to suppress the immune response of their associated hosts including melanization for successful parasitism. A teratocyte-specific expressed serpin gene, designated as CvT-serpin6, was identified from the parasitoid Cotesia vestalis. The immunoblot result suggested that CvT-serpin6 was secreted into extracellular space. qPCR results showed that CvT-serpin6 was mainly transcribed at later stages of parasitism, and the transcriptional abundance of CvT-serpin6 in teratocytes was significantly increased in response to the challenge of bacteria. Inhibitory assay indicated that recombinant CvT-serpin6 (rCvT-serpin6) could inhibit the activation of Plutella xylostella prophenoloxidase and ultimately resulted in the inhibition of melanization in P. xylostella haemolymph. Furthermore, we confirmed that rCvT-serpin6 could form SDS-stable complexes with activated PxPAP1 and PxPAP3 in a dose-dependent manner. Altogether, our results further shed insight into the molecular mechanisms that teratocytes involved in controlling host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijuan Gu
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- College of Agriculture and Food scienceZhejiang Agriculture and Forestry UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zhiwei Wu
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yuenan Zhou
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zhizhi Wang
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Min Shi
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect PestsZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang ProvinceZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xuexin Chen
- Institute of Insect SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- State Key Lab of Rice BiologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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9
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Luo J, Wang Z, Tang F, Feng K. Immune Defense Mechanism of Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder (Blattodea: Isoptera) against Serratia marcescens Bizio. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030226. [PMID: 35323524 PMCID: PMC8954430 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder is the most important pest in China. Serratia marcescens (SM1) can infect insects. In our lab, we found that SM1 can kill R. chinensis. However, the mechanisms underlying the immune defense of R. chinensis against SM1 is unknown. Therefore, understanding the interaction between R. chinensis and SM1 is important for termite control. In this study, immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in R. chinensis were identified and analyzed after SM1 infection. The results increased our understanding of immune responses in pests. This study was helpful for the development of immune suppressive agents in R. chinensis management. Abstract Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder is an important pest species in China. Serratia marcescens Bizio (SM1) is a potent biological bacterium. In our lab, we found that SM1 can kill R. chinensis. To date, the interaction between R. chinensis and SM1 has not been studied. Here, we explored immune responses of R. chinensis against SM1 using transcriptome sequencing. To elucidate immune-related genes, we identified 126,153 unigenes from R. chinensis. In total, 178 immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that many cellular responses were enriched in the top 20 terms. Then, we systematically analyzed several cellular immune pathways involved in the response of R. chinensis to SM1, including phagocytosis, autophagy, and endocytosis pathways. Furthermore, the expression profiles of the cellular immune-related genes were assessed using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, and the expression levels of the selected genes were upregulated. Further results revealed SM1-mediated activation of humoral immune responses genes, including Toll, IMD, and melanization pathways, which suggested the involvement of humoral immune responses in the defense against SM1. This research elucidated the mechanisms underlying the immune defense of R. chinensis against SM1, providing a solid theoretical basis for exploiting new immune suppressive agents to control R. chinensis. Moreover, this study will facilitate the better control of R. chinensis using SM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Luo
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (J.L.); (Z.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (J.L.); (Z.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (J.L.); (Z.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-1396-6269
| | - Kai Feng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (J.L.); (Z.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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10
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Zhuang XN, Luan YY, Lv TR, Ren CM, Wang L, Li Q, Li DX. PAP1 activates the prophenoloxidase system against bacterial infection in Musca domestica. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 124:104184. [PMID: 34171367 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We previously identified three putative prophenoloxidase-activating proteinase (mdPAP1, mdPAP2, and mdPAP3) genes from housefly Musca domestica by transcriptomic analysis. In this study, mdPAP1 cDNA was cloned, and the function of its encoded protein was analyzed. The cDNA of mdPAP1 was 1358 bp, and it contained a single open reading frame of 1122 bp encoding a predicted MdPAP1 protein of 373 amino acids. The estimated molecular weight of MdPAP1 was 41267.08 Da with an isoelectric point of 6.25. The deduced amino acid sequence of MdPAP1 exhibited high similarity to known PAPs of insects. mdPAP1 was detected in larvae, pupae, and adult housefly, and the expression level of mdPAP1 was upregulated in bacterial challenged larvae. The recombinant protein of MdPAP1 expressed in Escherichia coli could cleave the prophenoloxidase into phenoloxidase in M. domestica hemolymph infected by bacteria and result in a significant increase of the total phenoloxidase activity. In addition, RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of mdPAP1 significantly increased the mortality of M. domestica larvae. Results indicated that mdPAP1 was involved in the activation of the prophenoloxidase against bacterial infection in M. domestica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Na Zhuang
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Luan
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Tong-Rui Lv
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Cheng-Ming Ren
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Dian-Xiang Li
- Biotechnology Department, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China.
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11
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Shakeel M. Molecular identification, characterization, and expression analysis of a serine protease inhibitor gene from cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 81:516-525. [PMID: 32876160 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.223579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (serpins), a superfamily of protease inhibitors, are known to be involved in several physiological processes, such as development, metamorphosis, and innate immunity. In our study, a full-length serpin cDNA, designated Haserpin1, was isolated from the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. The cDNA sequence of Haserpin1 is 1176 nt long, with an open reading frame encoding 391 amino acids; there is one exon and no intron. The predicted molecular weight of Haserpin1 is 43.53 kDa, with an isoelectric point of 4.98. InterProScan was employed for Haserpin1 functional characterization, which revealed that Haserpin1 contains highly conserved signature motifs, including a reactive center loop (RCL) with a hinge region (E341-N350), the serpin signature, (F367-F375) and a predicted P1-P1' cleavage site (L357-S358), which are useful for identifying serpins. Transcripts of Haserpin1 were constitutively expressed in the fat body, suggesting that it is the major site for serpin synthesis. During the developmental stages, a fluctuation in the expression level of Haserpin1 was observed, with low expression detected at the 5th-instar larval stage. In contrast, relatively high expression was detected at the prepupal stage, suggesting that Haserpin1 might play a critical role at the H. armigera wandering stage. Although the detailed function of this serpin (Haserpin1) needs to be elucidated, our study provides a perspective for the functional investigation of serine protease inhibitor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- South China Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Wang Q, Yin M, Yuan C, Liu X, Hu Z, Zou Z, Wang M. Identification of a Conserved Prophenoloxidase Activation Pathway in Cotton Bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. Front Immunol 2020; 11:785. [PMID: 32431706 PMCID: PMC7215089 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanization is a prominent insect humoral response for encapsulation of and killing invading pathogens. It is mediated by a protease cascade composed of a modular serine protease (SP), and clip domain SPs (cSPs), which converts prophenoloxidase (PPO) into active phenoloxidase (PO). To date, melanization pathway in cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, an important agricultural pest, remains largely unclear. To biochemically reconstitute the pathway in vitro, the putative proteases along with modified proteases containing the factor Xa cleavage site were expressed by Drosophila S2 cell expression system. Purified recombinant proteins were used to examine their role in activating PPO. It is revealed that cascade is initiated by a modular SP-SP41, followed by cSP1 and cSP6. The three-step SP41/cSP1/cSP6 cascade could further activate PPO, and the PO activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of two cSP homologs (cSPHs), cSPH11 and cSPH50, suggesting the latter are cofactors for PPO activation. Moreover, baculovirus infection was efficiently blocked by the reconstituted PPO activation cascade, and the effect was boosted by cSPH11 and cSPH50. Taken together, we unraveled a conserved PPO activation cascade in H. armigera, which is similar to that exists in lepidopteran biochemical model Manduca sexta and highlighted its role in antagonizing viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xijia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine, Laboratory of Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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13
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Gu QJ, Zhou SM, Zhou YN, Huang JH, Shi M, Chen XX. A trypsin inhibitor-like protein secreted by Cotesia vestalis teratocytes inhibits hemolymph prophenoloxidase activation of Plutella xylostella. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 116:41-48. [PMID: 31026441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
To establish successful infections, endoparasitoid wasps must develop strategies to evade immune responses of the host. Here, we identified and characterized a teratocytes-expressed gene encoding a trypsin inhibitor-like protein containing a cysteine-rich domain from Cotesia vestalis, CvT-TIL. CvT-TIL had a high expression level during the later developmental stage of teratocytes and was secreted into host hemolymph. Further experiments showed CvT-TIL strongly suppressed the prophenoloxidase activation of host hemolymph in a dose-dependent manner by interacting with PxPAP3 of PO cascade. Our results not only provide evidence for an inhibition between CvT-TIL gene and the host's melanization activity, but also expand our knowledge about the mechanisms by which parasitoids regulate humoral immunity of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Juan Gu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Min Zhou
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Nan Zhou
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Hua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Shi
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xue-Xin Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China; State Key Lab of Rice Biology, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China
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14
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Wang GJ, Zhuo XR, Wang WW, Liu XS, Wang GX, Wang JL. Molecular characterization of immune responses of Helicoverpa armigera to infection with the mermithid nematode Ovomermis sinensis. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:161. [PMID: 30813894 PMCID: PMC6391810 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5544-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mermithid nematodes, such as Ovomermis sinensis, display a broad host range including some lepidopteran pests. Infective juveniles penetrate their host through the cuticle, complete their growth within the hemocoel and eventually kill the host upon their emergence. Hence, mermithid nematodes are considered potential biological control agents of insect pests. Our previous data indicate that the infection rate of O. sinensis on cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is low, which may be largely due to the strong immune system of the host. However, current knowledge on the interactions of mermithid nematodes with their hosts and the mechanisms employed by hosts to defend themselves against mermithid nematodes is limited. Results Here, we investigated the response of H. armigera to O. sinensis infection. Parasitism by O. sinensis caused a sharp decline in the survival rate of H. armigera. The hemocytic phagocytosis ability, antibacterial activity, and phenoloxidase (PO) activity in plasma of H. armigera increased at 1 d post parasitism (dpp) but decreased at 3 dpp. Further, we investigated gene expression in the fat body of parasitized and non-parasitized H. armigera larvae at 1, 3, and 5 dpp using a digital gene expression system. In total, 41, 60 and 68 immune-related differentially expressed genes were identified at 1, 3, and 5 dpp, respectively. These genes encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), serine proteases (SPs), SP inhibitors, mucins and other immune-related proteins. The expression of most PRRs, AMPs, SPs, and mucins was upregulated in the fat body of larvae at 1 dpp, downregulated at 3 dpp, and then again upregulated at 5 dpp by O. sinensis. The increased expression of SP inhibitors may contribute to the inhibited PO activity at 5 dpp. Conclusions This study demonstrates that parasitism by O. sinensis modulates the immune reaction of the host H. armigera by altering the expression of immune-related genes. Our data provide a basis for future investigation of the molecular mechanisms employed by the mermithid nematode O. sinensis to modulate the immunity of the host H. armigera. These data will also likely facilitate the improvement of success in parasitism of H. armigera by O. sinensis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5544-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Jie Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Xiao-Rong Zhuo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Wen-Wen Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Guo-Xiu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Jia-Lin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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15
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Feng C, Zhao Y, Chen K, Zhai H, Wang Z, Jiang H, Wang Y, Wang L, Zhang Y, Tang T. Clip domain prophenoloxidase activating protease is required for Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée to defend against bacterial infection. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 87:204-215. [PMID: 30017863 PMCID: PMC6093219 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The prophenoloxidase (PPO) activating system in insects plays an important role in defense against microbial invasion. In this paper, we identified a PPO activating protease (designated OfPAP) containing a 1203 bp open reading frame encoding a 400-residue protein composed of two clip domains and a C-terminal serine protease domain from Ostrinia furnacalis. SignalP analysis revealed a putative signal peptide of 18 residues. The mature OfPAP was predicted to be 382 residues long with a calculated Mr of 44.8 kDa and pI of 6.66. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis indicated that OfPAP was orthologous to the PAPs in the other lepidopterans. A large increase of the transcript levels was observed in hemocytes at 4 h post injection (hpi) of killed Bacillus subtilis, whereas its level in integument increased continuously from 4 to 12 hpi in the challenged larvae and began to decline at 24 hpi. After OfPAP expression had been silenced, the median lethal time (LT50) of Escherichia coli-infected larvae (1.0 day) became significantly lower than that of E. coli-infected wild-type (3.0 days, p < 0.01). A 3.5-fold increase in E. coli colony forming units occurred in larval hemolymph of the OfPAP knockdown larvae, as compared with that of the control larvae not injected with dsRNA. There were notable decreases in PO and IEARase activities in hemolymph of the OfPAP knockdown larvae. In summary, we have demonstrated that OfPAP is a component of the PPO activation system, likely by functioning as a PPO activating protease in O. furnacalis larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
| | - Ya Zhao
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Huifeng Zhai
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Zhenying Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yingjuan Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Libao Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Yiqiang Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Tai Tang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
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16
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Kim Y, Ahmed S, Stanley D, An C. Eicosanoid-mediated immunity in insects. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:130-143. [PMID: 29225005 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Eicosanoid is a collective term for oxygenated metabolites of C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids. As seen in mammals, eicosanoids play crucial roles in mediating various physiological processes, including immune responses, in insects. Upon microbial pathogen infection, non-self recognition signals are propagated to nearly immune effectors such as hemocytes and fat body using various immune mediators, in which eicosanoid signals act as the ultimate downstream mediator. The chemical diversity of eicosanoids may operate to mediate various immune responses. Some entomopathogenic bacteria suppress eicosanoid biosynthesis, which inhibits host insect immunity and promotes their pathogenicity. This review introduces immune responses mediated by various eicosanoids. Then it explains the cross-talks of eicosanoids with other immune mediators including cytokines, biogenic monoamines, and nitric oxide to clarify the complexity of insect immune mediation. Finally, we highlight the biological significance of eicosanoids by demonstrating bacterial pathogenicity inhibiting a key enzyme - phospholipase A2 - in eicosanoid biosynthesis using their secondary metabolites to defend host insect immune attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Natural Sciences, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shabbir Ahmed
- Department of Plant Medicals, College of Natural Sciences, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - David Stanley
- USDA- ARS, Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, 1503 S. Providence Road, Columbia MO 65203, USA
| | - Chunju An
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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17
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Wu T, Zhao Y, Wang Z, Song Q, Wang Z, Xu Q, Wang Y, Wang L, Zhang Y, Feng C. β-1,3-Glucan recognition protein 3 activates the prophenoloxidase system in response to bacterial infection in Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 79:31-43. [PMID: 29032241 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are biosensor proteins that bind to non-self pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). β-1,3-glucan recognition proteins (βGRPs) play an essential role in immune recognition and signaling pathway of insect innate immunity. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of cDNA of OfβGRP3 from Ostrinia furnacalis larvae. The OfβGRP3 contains 1455 bp open reading frame, encoding a predicted 484 amino acid residue protein. In hemocytes, the expression levels of OfβGRP3 in Escherichia coli-challenged group were higher than those of Bacillus subtilis-challenged group at 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 h post injection (HPI). In fat body, OfβGRP3 expression in both B. subtilis and E. coli-challenged group was significantly higher than that in untreated group from 4 to 10 HPI, and then the expression continuously dropped from 12 to 36 HPI. The OfβGRP3 expression in laminarin-injected group was higher than that in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-injected group in various test tissues from 4 to 24 HPI. The LT50 of E. coli-infected OfβGRP3-RNAi larvae (1.0 days) was significantly lower compared with that of E. coli infected wild-type larvae (3.0 days) (p < 0.01). Only 10.2% Sephadex G50 beads (degree 3) were completely melanized in the larvae inoculated with OfβGRP3 dsRNA, as compared to 48.8% in control larvae (p < 0.01). A notable reduction in the PO activity and IEARase activity in hemolymph was also detected in the OfβGRP3 knockdown larvae. Our study demonstrates that OfβGRP3 is one of PRR members involved the PPO-activating system in O. furnacalis larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taoyan Wu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, China
| | - Ya Zhao
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, China
| | - Zhenying Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Zengxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiuwen Xu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, China
| | - Yingjuan Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, China
| | - Libao Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, China
| | - Yiqiang Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, China.
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Wang Y, Jiang H, Cheng Y, An C, Chu Y, Raikhel AS, Zou Z. Activation of Aedes aegypti prophenoloxidase-3 and its role in the immune response against entomopathogenic fungi. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:552-563. [PMID: 28556276 PMCID: PMC5582978 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease cascade-mediated melanization is an important innate immune response in insects and crustaceans, which involves the proteolytic activation of prophenoloxidase (PPO). In this study, we investigated the role of Aedes aegypti PPO3 in antifungal immune defence. We expressed and purified recombinant PPO3 (rPPO3) in Escherichia coli and demonstrated that rPPO3 was activated by ethanol and, to a lesser extent, by cetylpyridinium chloride. In the presence of Cu2+ , rPPO3 exhibited enzyme activity. Immunoblot results revealed that the rPPO3 was cleaved by the haemolymph from immune-challenged mosquitoes or purified Ostrinia furnacalis serine protease 105 in vitro. The cleaved rPPO3 converted dopamine to toxic intermediates that killed fungal conidia of Beauveria bassiana in vitro. In mosquitoes challenged with Be. bassiana, cleavage of rPPO3 produced a 50 kDa phenoloxidase (PO) fragment. Further analysis revealed that the survival rate of mosquitoes with fungal infection increased significantly following injection of rPPO3 into the haemocoel. Taken together, our results suggest that proteolytic cleavage of the mosquito PPO3 plays an important role in the antifungal immune response. This has led to a better understanding of the mechanism of PPO activation in the mosquito and the role of melanization in the antifungal immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - H. Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Y. Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - C. An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Y. Chu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - A. S. Raikhel
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Z. Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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