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Tokash-Peters AG, Niyonzima JD, Kayirangwa M, Muhayimana S, Tokash IW, Jabon JD, Lopez SG, Kearns PJ, Woodhams DC. Mosquito Microbiomes of Rwanda: Characterizing Mosquito Host and Microbial Communities in the Land of a Thousand Hills. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2024; 87:64. [PMID: 38691215 PMCID: PMC11062966 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02382-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are a complex nuisance around the world and tropical countries bear the brunt of the burden of mosquito-borne diseases. Rwanda has had success in reducing malaria and some arboviral diseases over the last few years, but still faces challenges to elimination. By building our understanding of in situ mosquito communities in Rwanda at a disturbed, human-occupied site and at a natural, preserved site, we can build our understanding of natural mosquito microbiomes toward the goal of implementing novel microbial control methods. Here, we examined the composition of collected mosquitoes and their microbiomes at two diverse sites using Cytochrome c Oxidase I sequencing and 16S V4 high-throughput sequencing. The majority (36 of 40 species) of mosquitoes captured and characterized in this study are the first-known record of their species for Rwanda but have been characterized in other nations in East Africa. We found significant differences among mosquito genera and among species, but not between mosquito sexes or catch method. Bacteria of interest for arbovirus control, Asaia, Serratia, and Wolbachia, were found in abundance at both sites and varied greatly by species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Tokash-Peters
- College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
- Center of Excellence in Biodiversity, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Simon Muhayimana
- Center of Excellence in Biodiversity, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda
| | - Ivan W Tokash
- College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaimy D Jabon
- College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sergio G Lopez
- College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick J Kearns
- College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas C Woodhams
- College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Chang YC, Liu WL, Fang PH, Li JC, Liu KL, Huang JL, Chen HW, Kao CF, Chen CH. Effect of C-type lectin 16 on dengue virus infection in Aedes aegypti salivary glands. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae188. [PMID: 38813522 PMCID: PMC11134184 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins and an important component of mosquito saliva. Although CTLs play key roles in immune activation and viral pathogenesis, little is known about their role in regulating dengue virus (DENV) infection and transmission. In this study, we established a homozygous CTL16 knockout Aedes aegypti mutant line using CRISPR/Cas9 to study the interaction between CTL16 and viruses in mosquito vectors. Furthermore, mouse experiments were conducted to confirm the transmission of DENV by CTL16-/- A. aegypti mutants. We found that CTL16 was mainly expressed in the medial lobe of the salivary glands (SGs) in female A. aegypti. CTL16 knockout increased DENV replication and accumulation in the SGs of female A. aegypti, suggesting that CTL16 plays an important role in DENV transmission. We also found a reduced expression of immunodeficiency and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway components correlated with increased DENV viral titer, infection rate, and transmission efficiency in the CTL16 mutant strain. The findings of this study provide insights not only for guiding future investigations on the influence of CTLs on immune responses in mosquitoes but also for developing novel mutants that can be used as vector control tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chen Chang
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Pai-Hsiang Fang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chiuan Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Lin Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Ling Huang
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711301, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Wei Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Fei Kao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
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Mehmood N, Hassan A, Zhong X, Zhu Y, Ouyang G, Raza T, Zia S, Chen X, Huang Q. Entomopathogenic fungi-based silver nanoparticles: a potential substitute of synthetic insecticides to counter behavioral and physiological immunity in Aedes aegypti mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33292-z. [PMID: 38613759 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33292-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Excessive use of synthetic insecticides has resulted in environmental contamination and adverse effects on humans and other non-target organisms. Entomopathogenic fungi offer eco-friendly alternatives; however, their application for pest control requires significant advancement owing to limitations like slow killing time and effectiveness only when applied in higher amounts, whereas exposure to UV radiation, high temperature, and humidity can also reduce their viability and shelf-life. The nanoparticles synthesized using fungal extracellular extracts provide a new approach to use fungal pathogens. Our study focused on the synthesis of Metarhizium anisopliae-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and evaluation of their efficiency on various physiological and behavioral parameters of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The synthesis, size (27.6 d.nm, PDI = 0.209), zeta potential (- 24.3 mV), and shape of the AgNPs were determined through dynamic light scattering, scanning and transmission electron microscopic, and UV-visual spectroscopic analyses (432 nm). Our results showed significantly reduced survival (100% decrease in case of 3.2 and 1.8 μL/cm2 volumes, and 60% decrease in case of 0.8 μL/cm2 volume), phenoloxidase activity (t = 39.91; p = 0.0001), and gut microbiota, with increased oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in AgNPs-challenged mosquitoes. Furthermore, the AgNPs-exposed mosquitoes presented a concentration-specific decrease in flight locomotor activity (F = 17.312; p < 0.0001), whereas no significant changes in antifungal activity, self-grooming frequencies, or time spent were found. These findings enhance our understanding of mosquito responses to AgNPs exposure, and offer a more efficient mosquito control strategy using entomopathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Mehmood
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ali Hassan
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xueshan Zhong
- Yuexiu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongzhang Zhu
- Guangzhou Yongliang Environmental Protection Technology Service CO., LTD, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guang Ouyang
- Guangzhou Yongliang Environmental Protection Technology Service CO., LTD, Guangzhou, 510405, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Taqi Raza
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Samta Zia
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiuying Huang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Alvarenga PH, Alves E Silva TL, Suzuki M, Nardone G, Cecilio P, Vega-Rodriguez J, Ribeiro JMC, Andersen JF. Comprehensive Proteomics Analysis of the Hemolymph Composition of Sugar-Fed Aedes aegypti Female and Male Mosquitoes. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:1471-1487. [PMID: 38576391 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00918] [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] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
In arthropods, hemolymph carries immune cells and solubilizes and transports nutrients, hormones, and other molecules that are involved in diverse physiological processes including immunity, metabolism, and reproduction. However, despite such physiological importance, little is known about its composition. We applied mass spectrometry-based label-free quantification approaches to study the proteome of hemolymph perfused from sugar-fed female and male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. A total of 1403 proteins were identified, out of which 447 of them were predicted to be extracellular. In both sexes, almost half of these extracellular proteins were predicted to be involved in defense/immune response, and their relative abundances (based on their intensity-based absolute quantification, iBAQ) were 37.9 and 33.2%, respectively. Interestingly, among them, 102 serine proteases/serine protease-homologues were identified, with almost half of them containing CLIP regulatory domains. Moreover, proteins belonging to families classically described as chemoreceptors, such as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs), were also highly abundant in the hemolymph of both sexes. Our data provide a comprehensive catalogue of A. aegypti hemolymph basal protein content, revealing numerous unexplored targets for future research on mosquito physiology and disease transmission. It also provides a reference for future studies on the effect of blood meal and infection on hemolymph composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia H Alvarenga
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Thiago Luiz Alves E Silva
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Motoshi Suzuki
- Protein and Chemistry Section, Research Technologies Branch, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Glenn Nardone
- Protein and Chemistry Section, Research Technologies Branch, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Pedro Cecilio
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Joel Vega-Rodriguez
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Jose M C Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - John F Andersen
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-NIAID, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
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Deng Y, Yang S, Zhang L, Chen C, Cheng X, Hou C. Chronic bee paralysis virus exploits host antimicrobial peptides and alters gut microbiota composition to facilitate viral infection. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae051. [PMID: 38519112 PMCID: PMC11014883 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The significance of gut microbiota in regulating animal immune response to viral infection is increasingly recognized. However, how chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) exploits host immune to disturb microbiota for its proliferation remains elusive. Through histopathological examination, we discovered that the hindgut harbored the highest level of CBPV, and displayed visible signs of damages. The metagenomic analysis showed that a notable reduction in the levels of Snodgrassella alvi and Lactobacillus apis, and a significant increase in the abundance of the opportunistic pathogens such as Enterobacter hormaechei and Enterobacter cloacae following CBPV infection. Subsequent co-inoculation experiments showed that these opportunistic pathogens facilitated the CBPV proliferation, leading to accelerated mortality in bees and exacerbation of bloated abdomen symptoms after CBPV infection. The expression level of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) was found to be significantly up-regulated by over 1000 times in response to CBPV infection, as demonstrated by subsequent transcriptome and quantitative real-time PCR investigations. In particular, through correlation analysis and a bacteriostatic test revealed that the AMPs did not exhibit any inhibitory effect against the two opportunistic pathogens. However, they did demonstrate inhibitory activity against S. alvi and L. apis. Our findings provide different evidence that the virus infection may stimulate and utilize the host's AMPs to eradicate probiotic species and facilitate the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria. This process weakens the intestinal barrier and ultimately resulting in the typical bloated abdomen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Deng
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Sa Yang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chenxiao Chen
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Xuefen Cheng
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Chunsheng Hou
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
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Paixão FRS, Falvo ML, Huarte-Bonnet C, Santana M, García JJ, Fernandes ÉKK, Pedrini N. Pathogenicity of microsclerotia from Metarhizium robertsii against Aedes aegypti larvae and antimicrobial peptides expression by mosquitoes during fungal-host interaction. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107061. [PMID: 37918505 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107061] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a vector of various disease-causing arboviruses. Chemical insecticide-based methods for mosquito control have increased resistance in different parts of the world. Thus, alternative control agents such as the entomopathogenic fungi are excellent candidates to control mosquitoes as part of an ecofriendly strategy. There is evidence of the potential of entomopathogenic fungal conidia and blastospores for biological control of eggs, larval and adult stages, as well as the pathogenicity of fungal microsclerotia against adults and eggs. However, there are no studies on the pathogenicity of microsclerotia against either aquatic insects or insects that develop part of their life cycle in the water, such as the A. aegypti larvae. In this study, we assayed the production of microsclerotia and their pathogenicity against A. aegypti larvae of two isolates of Metarhizium robertsii, i.e., CEP 423 isolated in La Plata, Argentina, and the model ARSEF 2575. Both isolates significantly reduced the survival of A. aegypti exposed to their microsclerotia. The fungus-larva interaction resulted in a delayed response in the host. This was evidenced by the expression of some humoral immune system genes such as defensins and cecropin on the 9th day post-infection, when the fungal infection was consolidated as a successful process that culminates in larvae mortality. In conclusion, M. robertsii microsclerotia are promising propagules to be applied as biological control agents against mosquitoes since they produce pathogenic conidia against A. aegypti larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia R S Paixão
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marianel L Falvo
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 122, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Carla Huarte-Bonnet
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marianela Santana
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan J García
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 122, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Éverton K K Fernandes
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Nicolás Pedrini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
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Mendonça GRQ, Peters LP, Lopes LM, Sousa AH, Carvalho CM. Native fungi from Amazon with potential for control of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae). BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 83:e274954. [PMID: 37909558 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.274954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is the main transmitter of pathogens that cause human diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever. Faced with this problem, this study aims to select fungi with entomopathogenic potential against Ae. aegypti and develop formulations that optimize the control action of entomopathogenic fungi in the semi-field condition. 23 fungal strains native from Amazon were inoculated in Potato-Dextrose-Agar (PDA) culture medium for 14 days and then transferred by scraping to tubes containing 0.9% NaCl solution. To obtain the larvae, eggs were collected using traps in peridomestic environments for 7 days. 20 larvae of Ae. aegypti in 125 mL erlenmeyers containing 20 mL of conidial suspension at a concentration of 1x106 conidia/mL for initial selection and 1×104, 1×105, 1×106 and 1×107 conidia/mL for determination of LC50. Mortality was checked every 24 h for 5 days. The three fungi with the best virulence rates were identified using molecular techniques. The compatibility between fungi at a concentration of 1×106 conidia/mL and oily adjuvants, mineral oil and vegetable oil (andiroba, chestnut and copaiba) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 1% was evaluated. The germination capacity of 100 conidia per treatment was evaluated after incubation at 28 ºC for 24 h. To evaluate the entomopathogenic potential of the fungal formulations, conidial suspensions (1×106 conidia/mL) were added with 0.1% mineral and vegetable oil. The treatments were submitted to laboratory and semi-field conditions and mortality was verified every 24 h for 5 days. Beauveria sp. (4,458) (LC50 = 8.66× 103), Metarhizium anisopliae (4,420) (LC50 = 5.48×104) and M. anisopliae (4,910) (LC50 = 1.13×105) were significantly more effective in the larval control of Ae. aegypti, in relation to the other fungal morphospecies evaluated. Mineral oil was better compatible in all treatments evaluated. Beauveria sp. (4,458) was considerably less virulent under semi-field conditions. M. anisopliae (4,910) formulated with mineral oil increased larval mortality to 100% on the 4th day in the laboratory and on the 5th day in the semi-field. Fungal formulations developed from native Amazonian isolates represent a promising tool for the development of strategies to control Ae. aegypti.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Q Mendonça
- Universidade Federal do Acre, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência, Inovação e Tecnologia para Amazônia, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
| | - L P Peters
- Universidade Federal do Acre, Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Desporto, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
| | - L M Lopes
- Universidade Federal do Acre, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Natureza, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
| | - A H Sousa
- Universidade Federal do Acre, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Natureza, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
| | - C M Carvalho
- Universidade Federal do Acre, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência, Inovação e Tecnologia para Amazônia, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
- Universidade Federal do Acre, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Natureza, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
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Chu X, Yang M, Yu L, Xie H, Liu J, Wu S, Zhang F, Hu X. Double-strand RNAs targeting MaltRelish and MaltSpz reveals potential targets for pest management of Monochamus alternatus. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105495. [PMID: 37532354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Overcoming the innate immunity of insects is a key process to improve the efficiency of biological control. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important effectors in insect innate immunity, usually mediating resistance to pathogenic microorganisms through Toll and IMD signaling pathways. This study investigated the effect of key genes on upstream immune recognition receptor (GNBP3) and downstream effectors (AMPs) by RNAi technology. The transcriptome KEGG enrichment analysis and differential gene annotation results showed that the immune response genes MaltSpz and MaltRelish are important regulators of Toll and IMD signaling pathways, respectively. Both dsSpz and dsRelish could affect AMP gene expression and increase the expression of the immune recognition receptor MaltGNBP3. Moreover, they significantly reduce the survival rate of Monochamus alternatus and promote hyphal growth after Beauveria bassiana infection. This helps to improve the biological control effect of B. bassiana, control the population of vector insects and cut off the transmission route of pine wood nematode. The combined MaltSpz and MaltRelish knockdown increased the infection rate of M. alternatus larvae from 20.69% to 83.93%, achieving the best efficiency in synergistic B. bassiana infection. Our results showed important roles of MaltRelish- and MaltSpz-mediated regulation of AMP genes function in insect entomopathogenic fungi tolerance and induced significant mortality in larvae. Based on this study, MaltSpz and MaltRelish could represent candidate gene targets for the biological control of M. alternatus by RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Chu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Meijiao Yang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hongyun Xie
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feiping Zhang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Xia Hu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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9
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Qin Y, Liu X, Peng G, Xia Y, Cao Y. Recent Advancements in Pathogenic Mechanisms, Applications and Strategies for Entomopathogenic Fungi in Mosquito Biocontrol. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:746. [PMID: 37504734 PMCID: PMC10381795 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases are widespread among insects and play a crucial role in naturally regulating insect populations. Mosquitoes, known as vectors for numerous infectious diseases, pose a significant threat to human health. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as highly promising alternative agents to chemical mosquitocides for controlling mosquitoes at all stages of their life cycle due to their unique infection pathway through direct contact with the insect's cuticle. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in understanding the infection pathways and pathogenic mechanisms of EPF against mosquitoes. Various strategies involving the use of EPF alone or combinations with other approaches have been employed to target mosquitoes at various developmental stages. Moreover, the application of genetic technologies in fungi has opened up new avenues for enhancing the mosquitocidal efficacy of EPF. This review presents a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in our understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of EPF, their applications in mosquito management, and the combination of EPF with other approaches and employment of transgenic technologies. The biosafety concerns associated with their use and the corresponding approaches are also discussed. The recent progress suggests that EPF have the potential to serve as a future biorational tool for controlling mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Guoxiong Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yueqing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
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Wang W, Chen F. Role of the Subtilisin-like Serine Protease CJPRB from Cordyceps javanica in Eliciting an Immune Response in Hyphantria cunea. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044170. [PMID: 36835582 PMCID: PMC9966719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyphantria cunea is a globally distributed quarantine plant pest. In a previous study, the Cordyceps javanica strain BE01 with a strong pathogenic effect on H. cunea was identified, and overexpression of the subtilisin-like serine protease CJPRB of this strain was found to accelerate the death of H. cunea (previous research results). In this study, the active recombinant CJPRB protein was obtained through the Pichia pastoris expression system. It was found that CJPRB protein administration to H. cunea via infectation, feeding and injection was able to induce changes in protective enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and the expression of immune defense-related genes in H. cunea. In particular, CJPRB protein injection induced a more rapid, widespread and intense immune response in H. cunea compared to the other two treatment methods. The results suggest that the CJPRB protein may play a role in eliciting a host immune response during infectation by C. javanica.
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OTU7B Modulates the Mosquito Immune Response to Beauveria bassiana Infection via Deubiquitination of the Toll Adaptor TRAF4. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0312322. [PMID: 36537797 PMCID: PMC9927300 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03123-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aedes aegypti mosquito transmits devastating flaviviruses, such as Zika, dengue, and yellow fever viruses. For more effective control of the vector, the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana, a fungus commonly used for biological control of pest insects, may be enhanced based on in-depth knowledge of molecular interactions between the pathogen and its host. Here, we identified a mechanism employed by B. bassiana, which efficiently blocks the Ae. aegypti antifungal immune response by a protease that contains an ovarian tumor (OTU) domain. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that the depletion of OTU7B significantly upregulates the mRNA level of immunity-related genes after a challenge of the fungus. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of OTU7B conferred a higher resistance of mosquitoes to the fungus B. bassiana. OTU7B suppressed activation of the immune response by preventing nuclear translocation of the NF-κB transcription factor Rel1, a mosquito orthologue of Drosophila Dorsal. Further studies identified tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) as an interacting protein of OTU7B. TRAF4-deficient mosquitoes were more sensitive to fungal infection, indicating TRAF4 to be the adaptor protein that activates the Toll pathway. TRAF4 is K63-link polyubiquitinated at K338 residue upon immune challenge. However, OTU7B inhibited the immune signaling by enzymatically removing the polyubiquitin chains of mosquito TRAF4. Thus, this study has uncovered a novel mechanism of fungal action against the host innate immunity, providing a platform for further improvement of fungal pathogen effectiveness. IMPORTANCE Insects use innate immunity to defend against microbial infection. The Toll pathway is a major immune signaling pathway that is associated with the antifungal immune response in mosquitoes. Our study identified a fungal-induced deubiquitinase, OTU7B, which, when knocked out, promotes the translocation of the NF-κB factor Rel1 into the nucleus and confers enhanced resistance to fungal infection. We further found the counterpart of OTU7B, TRAF4, which is a component of the Toll pathway and acts as an adaptor protein. OTU7B enzymatically removes K63-linked polyubiquitin chains from TRAF4. The immune response is suppressed, and mosquitoes become much more sensitive to the Beauveria bassiana infection. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of fungal action against the host innate immunity.
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de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt R, Corrêa TA, Santos-Mallet J, Santos HA, Lowenberger C, Moreira HVS, Gôlo PS, Bittencourt VREP, da Costa Angelo I. Beauveria bassiana interacts with gut and hemocytes to manipulate Aedes aegypti immunity. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:17. [PMID: 36650591 PMCID: PMC9847134 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05655-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito-borne diseases affect millions of people. Chemical insecticides are currently employed against mosquitoes. However, many cases of insecticide resistance have been reported. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have demonstrated potential as a bioinsecticide. Here, we assessed the invasion of the EPF Beauveria bassiana into Aedes aegypti larvae and changes in the activity of phenoloxidase (PO) as a proxy for the general activation of the insect innate immune system. In addition, other cellular and humoral responses were evaluated. METHODS Larvae were exposed to blastospores or conidia of B. bassiana CG 206. After 24 and 48 h, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted on the larvae. The hemolymph was collected to determine changes in total hemocyte concentration (THC), the dynamics of hemocytes, and to observe hemocyte-fungus interactions. In addition, the larvae were macerated to assess the activity of PO using L-DOPA conversion, and the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) was measured using quantitative Real-Time PCR. RESULTS Propagules invaded mosquitoes through the midgut, and blastopores were detected inside the hemocoel. Both propagules decreased the THC regardless of the time. By 24 h after exposure to conidia the percentage of granulocytes and oenocytoids increased while the prohemocytes decreased. By 48 h, the oenocytoid percentage increased significantly (P < 0.05) in larvae exposed to blastospores; however, the other hemocyte types did not change significantly. Regardless of the time, SEM revealed hemocytes adhering to, and nodulating, blastospores. For the larvae exposed to conidia, these interactions were observed only at 48 h. Irrespective of the propagule, the PO activity increased only at 48 h. At 24 h, cathepsin B was upregulated by infection with conidia, whereas both propagules resulted in a downregulation of cecropin and defensin A. At 48 h, blastospores and conidia increased the expression of defensin A suggesting this may be an essential AMP against EPF. CONCLUSION By 24 h, B. bassiana CG 206 occluded the midgut, reduced THC, did not stimulate PO activity, and downregulated AMP expression in larvae, all of which allowed the fungus to impair the larvae to facilitate infection. Our data reports a complex interplay between Ae. aegypti larvae and B. bassiana CG 206 demonstrating how this fungus can infect, affect, and kill Ae. aegypti larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Thaís Almeida Corrêa
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Jacenir Santos-Mallet
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, IOC-FIOCRUZ-RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil ,FIOCRUZ-PI, Teresina, Piauí Brazil ,grid.441915.c0000 0004 0501 3011Iguaçu University-UNIG, Nova Iguaçu, RJ Brazil
| | - Huarrison Azevedo Santos
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- grid.61971.380000 0004 1936 7494Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Haika Victória Sales Moreira
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Patrícia Silva Gôlo
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Vânia Rita Elias Pinheiro Bittencourt
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Isabele da Costa Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
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Wang Q, Yin M, Yuan C, Liu X, Jiang H, Wang M, Zou Z, Hu Z. The Micrococcus luteus infection activates a novel melanization pathway of cSP10, cSP4, and cSP8 in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 147:103775. [PMID: 35504546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Melanization is a key immune response mediated by serine protease (SP) cascade in insects. Multiple SP pathways exist in different species and it is unclear how conserved these cascades are. The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera is a major worldwide agricultural pest. We reported a conserved melanization pathway in this species, which consists of SP41, cSP1, and cSP6. In this study, we attempted to identify an insect pathogen that elicits the cascade and test whether or not there are other SP cascades in H. armigera. After Micrococcus luteus, Enterobacter cloacae, Beauveria bassiana, or Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus were injected into larvae, pathogen-induced hemolymph samples were collected for in vitro biochemical assays, which failed to detect proSP41 or procSP1 activation. In contrast, we found that procSP4, a protein proposed to participate in H. armigera melanization, was activated in M. luteus infected hemolymph. We further revealed that cSP8 was a prophenoloxidase (PPO) activating protease downstream of cSP4, and cSP4 was activated by cSP10. The pathway of cSP10-cSP4-cSP8 activated PPO in vitro. Efficiently cleaved procSPH11 and procSPH50 by cSP8 substantially enhanced phenoloxidase activity, suggesting they work together as a cofactor for cSP8 mediated PPO activation. Hemolymph from larvae challenged with M. luteus or its peptidoglycan effectively activated procSP10. Collectively, these results revealed a new PPO activation cascade specifically triggered by the bacterium. In addition, we found that the PPO activation cascades in H. armigera and Manduca sexta are conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mengyi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chuanfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xijia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, 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: 4.5] [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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Antiviral RNAi Mechanisms to Arboviruses in Mosquitoes: microRNA Profile of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus from Grenada, West Indies. Appl Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol2020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne arboviruses, such as dengue virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus and yellow fever virus, impose a tremendous cost on the health of populations around the world. As a result, much effort has gone into the study of the impact of these viruses on human infections. Comparatively less effort, however, has been made to study the way these viruses interact with mosquitoes themselves. As ingested arboviruses infect their midgut and subsequently other tissue, the mosquito mounts a multifaceted innate immune response. RNA interference, the central intracellular antiviral defense mechanism in mosquitoes and other invertebrates can be induced and modulated through outside triggers (small RNAs) and treatments (transgenesis or viral-vector delivery). Accordingly, modulation of this facet of the mosquito’s immune system would thereby suggest a practical strategy for vector control. However, this requires a detailed understanding of mosquitoes’ endogenous small RNAs and their effects on the mosquito and viral proliferation. This paper provides an up-to-date overview of the mosquito’s immune system along with novel data describing miRNA profiles for Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasiatus in Grenada, West Indies.
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16
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Cheng L, Liu WL, Su MP, Huang SC, Wang JR, Chen CH. Prohemocytes are the main cells infected by dengue virus in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:137. [PMID: 35449113 PMCID: PMC9027048 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05276-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The primary disease vectors for dengue virus (DENV) transmission between humans are the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, with Ae. aegypti population size strongly correlated with DENV outbreaks. When a mosquito is infected with DENV, the virus migrates from the midgut to the salivary glands to complete the transmission cycle. How the virus crosses the hemocoel, resulting in systemic infection, is still unclear however. During viral infection and migration, the innate immune system is activated in defense. As part of cellular-mediated immunity, hemocytes are known to defend against bacteria and Plasmodium infection and may also participate in defending against DENV infection. Hemocytes are categorized into three cell types: prohemocytes, granulocytes, and oenocytoids. Here, we investigated which hemocytes can be infected by DENV and compare hemocyte infection between Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Methods Hemocytes were collected from Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes that were intrathoracically infected with DENV2-GFP. The collected hemocytes were then identified via Giemsa staining and examined microscopically for morphological differences and viral infection. Results All three types of hemocytes were infected by DENV, though the predominantly infected cell type was prohemocytes. In Ae. aegypti, the highest and lowest infection rates at 7 days post infection occurred in prohemocytes and granulocytes, respectively. Prohemocytes were also the primary infection target of DENV in Ae. albopictus, with similar infection rates across the other two hemocyte groups. The ratios of hemocyte composition did not differ significantly between non-infected and infected mosquitoes for either species. Conclusions In this study, we showed that prohemocytes were the major type of hemocyte infected by DENV in both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The infection rate of prohemocytes in Ae. albopictus was lower than that in Ae. aegypti, which may explain why systemic DENV infection in Ae. albopictus is less efficient than in Ae. aegypti and why Ae. albopictus is less correlated to dengue fever outbreaks. Future work in understanding the mechanisms behind these phenomena may help reduce arbovirus infection prevalence. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05276-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lie Cheng
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Matthew P Su
- Institute of Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Biological Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shu-Chen Huang
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Ren Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
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Tokash-Peters AG, Jabon JD, Fung ME, Peters JA, Lopez SG, Woodhams DC. Trans-Generational Symbiont Transmission Reduced at High Temperatures in a West Nile Virus Vector Mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.762132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of environmental factors on the efficacy of the endosymbiont Wolbachia used in mosquito and pathogen control are poorly characterized and may be critical for disease control. We studied the vector mosquito Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (Say) to determine the effect of temperature on the composition of the relative abundance of Wolbachia spp. and the microbiome, as well as key immune genes of interest in the Toll and IMD pathways. 16S barcode sequencing was used to determine the microbiome composition and qPCR was used to determine the relative abundance of Wolbachia spp. based on the highly utilized marker Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene. We found no effect of temperature within a single generation on the relative abundance of Wolbachia or immune gene expression, nor on the alpha or beta diversity of the microbiome. However, there was a significant difference in the abundance of Wolbachia between generations at high temperatures (≥ 28°C), but not at lower temperatures (≤ 23°C). These results support the idea that Wolbachia are reduced at higher temperatures between generations, which has an influence on the establishment of pathogens including West Nile Virus (WNV). Modulation of the Toll or IMD mosquito immune pathways was not indicated. Wolbachia endosymbiosis and trans-generation transmission appears especially sensitive to high temperatures, which may have implications for Wolbachia-based vector control strategies under climate change scenarios.
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Hun LV, Cheung KW, Brooks E, Zudekoff R, Luckhart S, Riehle MA. Increased insulin signaling in the Anopheles stephensi fat body regulates metabolism and enhances the host response to both bacterial challenge and Plasmodium falciparum infection. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 139:103669. [PMID: 34666189 PMCID: PMC8647039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates and invertebrates, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling (IIS) cascade is highly conserved and plays a vital role in many different physiological processes. Among the many tissues that respond to IIS in mosquitoes, the fat body has a central role in metabolism, lifespan, reproduction, and innate immunity. We previously demonstrated that fat body specific expression of active Akt, a key IIS signaling molecule, in adult Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti activated the IIS cascade and extended lifespan. Additionally, we found that transgenic females produced more vitellogenin (Vg) protein than non-transgenic mosquitoes, although this did not translate into increased fecundity. These results prompted us to further examine how IIS impacts immunity, metabolism, growth and development of these transgenic mosquitoes. We observed significant changes in glycogen, trehalose, triglycerides, glucose, and protein in young (3-5 d) transgenic mosquitoes relative to non-transgenic sibling controls, while only triglycerides were significantly changed in older (18 d) transgenic mosquitoes. More importantly, we demonstrated that enhanced fat body IIS decreased both the prevalence and intensity of Plasmodium falciparum infection in transgenic An. stephensi. Additionally, challenging transgenic An. stephensi with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria altered the expression of several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and two anti-Plasmodium genes, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and thioester complement-like protein (TEP1), relative to non-transgenic controls. Increased IIS in the fat body of adult female An. stephensi had little to no impact on body size, growth or development of progeny from transgenic mosquitoes relative to non-transgenic controls. This study both confirms and expands our understanding of the critical roles insulin signaling plays in regulating the diverse functions of the mosquito fat body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis V Hun
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA; Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kong Wai Cheung
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Brooks
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rissa Zudekoff
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Departrment of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Michael A Riehle
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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19
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Yuan C, Xing L, Wang M, Hu Z, Zou Z. Microbiota modulates gut immunity and promotes baculovirus infection in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1766-1779. [PMID: 33463036 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Baculoviruses are natural enemies of agricultural and forest insect pests and play an important role in biological pest control. Oral infection by baculovirus in the insect midgut is necessary for establishing systemic infection and eventually killing the insect. Since the insect midgut continuously encounters microbiota, the gut microbiota could affect baculovirus infection. Here, we demonstrated that gut microbiota modulates immune responses and promotes baculovirus infection in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. After oral infection, numerous host immunity-related genes including genes encoding Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) pathway components were upregulated in the midgut. Elimination of the gut microbiota significantly increased the resistance to viral infection in H. armigera. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and proteomic analysis showed that downregulation of the antiviral factor prophenoloxidase (PPO) could be mediated by microbiota during infection. It implied that midgut microbiota diminishes the expression of PPO to facilitate viral infection in H. armigera. Our findings revealed that the microbiota plays an important role in modulating the resistance of H. armigera to baculovirus infection, providing new insights in applying biopesticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Longsheng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Wang HC, Wang QH, Bhowmick B, Li YX, Han Q. Functional characterization of two clip domain serine proteases in innate immune responses of Aedes aegypti. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:584. [PMID: 34819136 PMCID: PMC8611957 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05091-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clip domain serine proteases (CLIPs), a very diverse group of proteolytic enzymes, play a crucial role in the innate immunity of insects. Innate immune responses are the first line of defense in mosquitoes against the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms. The Toll pathway, immunodeficiency (IMD) pathway and melanization are the main processes of innate immunity in Aedes aegypti. CLIPS are classified into five subfamilies—CLIPA, CLIPB, CLIPC, CLIPD, and CLIPE—based on their sequence specificity and phylogenetic relationships. We report the functional characterization of the genes that code for two CLIPs in Ae. aegypti (Ae): Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22. Methods Clustal Omega was used for multiple amino acid sequence alignment of Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 with different CLIP genes from other insect species. The spatiotemporal expression profiles of Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 were examined. We determined whether Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 respond to microbial challenge and tissue injury. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to explore the function of Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 in the defense of Ae. aegypti against bacterial and fungal infections. The expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factors REL1 and REL2 in the Toll pathway and IMD pathway after bacterial infection were investigated. Finally, the change in phenoloxidase (PO) activity in Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 knockdown adults was investigated. Results We performed spatiotemporal gene expression profiling of Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 genes in Ae. aegypti using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. These genes were expressed in different stages and tissues. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for both genes were also up-regulated by Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and fungal Beauveria bassiana infections, as well as in the tissue injury experiments. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Ae-CLIPB15 led to a significant decrease of PO activity in the hemolymph of Ae. aegypti, while other RNAi experiments revealed that both Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 were involved in immune defense against bacterial and fungal infections. The mRNA expression of NF-κB transcription factors REL1 and REL2 in the Toll pathway and IMD pathway differed between Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 knockdown mosquitoes infected with bacteria and wild type mosquitoes infected with bacteria. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Ae-CLIPB15 and Ae-CLIPB22 play a critical role in mosquito innate immunity, and that they are involved in immune responses to injury and infection. Their regulation of transcription factors and PO activity indicates that they also play a specific role in the regulation of innate immunity. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Cheng Wang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Hui Wang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China
| | - Biswajit Bhowmick
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xun Li
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China. .,One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Chen K, Chen J, Tang T, Jiang H, Han Z, Wang L, Alradi MF, Lu S, Wei X, Liu X, Wei Y, Feng C. Characterization and functional analysis of a Relish gene from the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 108:e21841. [PMID: 34468040 PMCID: PMC8453101 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Pathogen-induced host immune responses reduce the efficacy of pathogens used to control pests. However, compared to the well-deciphered immunity system of Drosophila melanogaster, the immunity system of agricultural pests is largely unconfirmed through functional analysis. Beginning to unveil mechanisms of transcription regulation of immune genes in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, we cloned the complementary DNA (cDNA) of a transcription factor Relish by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The 3164 bp cDNA, designated Of-Relish, encodes a 956-residue protein. Bioinformatic analysis showed that Of-Relish had a Rel homology domain, a predicted cleavage site between Q409 and L410 , six ankyrin repeats, and a death domain. The response of Of-Relish expression to the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa was sooner and stronger than to the Gram-positive Micrococcus luteus. The antimicrobial peptide genes Attacin and Gloverin had similar expression patterns in response to the infections. Knockdown of Of-Relish led to a decrease in Attacin and Gloverin messenger RNA levels, suggesting that Attacin and Gloverin were regulated by Of-Relish. Together, the results suggested that Of-Relish is a key component of the IMD pathway in O. furnacalis, involved in defense against P. aeruginosa through activation of Attacin and Gloverin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Jiaqian Chen
- 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
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Zhaoyang Han
- 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
| | - Mohamed F. Alradi
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xiangyi Wei
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Youheng Wei
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
- Corresponding author Congjing Feng,
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22
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Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV; Flaviviridae) is a devastating virus transmitted to humans by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The interaction of the virus with the mosquito vector is poorly known. The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated interruption or activation of immunity-related genes in the Toll, IMD, JAK-STAT, and short interfering RNA (siRNA) pathways did not affect ZIKV infection in A. aegypti. Transcriptome-based analysis indicated that most immunity-related genes were upregulated in response to ZIKV infection, including leucine-rich immune protein (LRIM) genes. Further, there was a significant increment in the ZIKV load in LRIM9-, LRIM10A-, and LIRM10B-silenced A. aegypti, suggesting their function in modulating viral infection. Further, gene function enrichment analysis revealed that viral infection increased global ribosomal activity. Silencing of RpL23 and RpL27, two ribosomal large subunit genes, increased mosquito resistance to ZIKV infection. In vitro fat body culture assay revealed that the expression of RpL23 and RpL27 was responsive to the Juvenile hormone (JH) signaling pathway. These two genes were transcriptionally regulated by JH and its receptor methoprene-tolerant (Met) complex. Silencing of Met also inhibited ZIKV infection in A. aegypti. This suggests that ZIKV enhances ribosomal activity through JH regulation to promote infection in mosquitoes. Together, these data reveal A. aegypti immune responses to ZIKV and suggest a control strategy that reduces ZIKV transmission by modulating host factors. IMPORTANCE Most flaviviruses are transmitted between hosts by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes. Since therapeutics or vaccines are lacking for most mosquito-borne diseases, reducing the mosquito vector competence is an effective way to decrease disease burden. We used high-throughput sequencing technology to study the interaction between mosquito Aedes aegypti and ZIKV. Leucine-rich immune protein (LRIM) genes were involved in the defense in response to viral infection. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of RpL23 and RpL27, two JH-regulated ribosomal large subunit genes, suppressed ZIKV infection in A. aegypti. These results suggest a novel control strategy that could block the transmission of ZIKV.
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23
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Inhibition of defensin A and cecropin A responses to dengue virus 1 infection in Aedes aegypti. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 41:161-167. [PMID: 33761199 PMCID: PMC8055593 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.5491] [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: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction It is essential to determine the interactions between viruses and mosquitoes to diminish dengue viral transmission. These interactions constitute a very complex system of highly regulated pathways known as the innate immune system of the mosquito, which produces antimicrobial peptides that act as effector molecules against bacterial and fungal infections. There is less information about such effects on virus infections. Objective To determine the expression of two antimicrobial peptide genes, defensin A and cecropin A, in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with DENV-1. Materials and methods We used the F1 generation of mosquitoes orally infected with DENV-1 and real-time PCR analysis to determine whether the defensin A and cecropin A genes played a role in controlling DENV-1 replication in Ae. aegypti. As a reference, we conducted similar experiments with the bacteria Escherichia coli. Results Basal levels of defensin A and cecropin A mRNA were expressed in uninfected mosquitoes at different times post-blood feeding. The infected mosquitoes experienced reduced expression of these mRNA by at least eightfold when compared to uninfected control mosquitoes at all times post-infection. In contrast with the behavior of DENV-1, results showed that bacterial infection produced up-regulation of defensin and cecropin genes; however, the induction of transcripts occurred at later times (15 days). Conclusion: DENV-1 virus inhibited the expression of defensin A and cecropin A genes in a wild Ae. aegypti population from Venezuela.
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24
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Cheng L, Liu WL, Tsou YT, Li JC, Chien CH, Su MP, Liu KL, Huang YL, Wu SC, Tsai JJ, Hsieh SL, Chen CH. Transgenic Expression of Human C-Type Lectin Protein CLEC18A Reduces Dengue Virus Type 2 Infectivity in Aedes aegypti. Front Immunol 2021; 12:640367. [PMID: 33767710 PMCID: PMC7985527 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.640367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The C-type lectins, one family of lectins featuring carbohydrate binding domains which participate in a variety of bioprocesses in both humans and mosquitoes, including immune response, are known to target DENV. A human C-type lectin protein CLEC18A in particular shows extensive glycan binding abilities and correlates with type-I interferon expression, making CLEC18A a potential player in innate immune responses to DENV infection; this potential may provide additional regulatory point in improving mosquito immunity. Here, we established for the first time a transgenic Aedes aegypti line that expresses human CLEC18A. This expression enhanced the Toll immune pathway responses to DENV infection. Furthermore, viral genome and virus titers were reduced by 70% in the midgut of transgenic mosquitoes. We found significant changes in the composition of the midgut microbiome in CLEC18A expressing mosquitoes, which may result from the Toll pathway enhancement and contribute to DENV inhibition. Transgenic mosquito lines offer a compelling option for studying DENV pathogenesis, and our analyses indicate that modifying the mosquito immune system via expression of a human immune gene can significantly reduce DENV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lie Cheng
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ting Tsou
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chiuan Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hao Chien
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Matthew P Su
- Department of Biological Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kun-Lin Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Lang Huang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Cheng Wu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Jin Tsai
- Tropical Medicine Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shie-Liang Hsieh
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
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25
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Wimalasiri-Yapa BMCR, Barrero RA, Stassen L, Hafner LM, McGraw EA, Pyke AT, Jansen CC, Suhrbier A, Yakob L, Hu W, Devine GJ, Frentiu FD. Temperature modulates immune gene expression in mosquitoes during arbovirus infection. Open Biol 2021; 11:200246. [PMID: 33401993 PMCID: PMC7881175 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The principal vector of dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses is the mosquito Aedes aegypti, with its ability to transmit pathogens influenced by ambient temperature. We use chikungunya virus (CHIKV) to understand how the mosquito transcriptome responds to arbovirus infection at different ambient temperatures. We exposed CHIKV-infected mosquitoes to 18, 28 and 32°C, and found that higher temperature correlated with higher virus levels, particularly at 3 days post infection, but lower temperature resulted in reduced virus levels. RNAseq analysis indicated significantly altered gene expression levels in CHIKV infection. The highest number of significantly differentially expressed genes was observed at 28°C, with a more muted effect at the other temperatures. At the higher temperature, the expression of many classical immune genes, including Dicer-2, was not substantially altered in response to CHIKV. The upregulation of Toll, IMD and JAK-STAT pathways was only observed at 28°C. Functional annotations suggested that genes in immune response and metabolic pathways related to energy supply and DNA replication were involved in temperature-dependent changes. Time post infection also led to substantially different gene expression profiles, and this varied with temperature. In conclusion, temperature significantly modulates mosquito gene expression in response to infection, potentially leading to impairment of immune defences at higher temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M C Randika Wimalasiri-Yapa
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Open University of Sri Lanka, Nugegoda, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Roberto A Barrero
- eResearch Office, Division of Research and Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Liesel Stassen
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Louise M Hafner
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A McGraw
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
| | - Alyssa T Pyke
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cassie C Jansen
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Laith Yakob
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Wenbiao Hu
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gregor J Devine
- Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Francesca D Frentiu
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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26
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Fernandes DA, Rique HL, de Oliveira LHG, Santos WGS, de Souza MDFV, Nunes FDC. Ovicidal, pupicidal, adulticidal, and repellent activity of Helicteres velutina K. Schum against Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae). BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021; 43:e112120. [PMID: 35749063 PMCID: PMC9179187 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm112120] [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: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a vector of emerging and neglected diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Helicteres velutina, known as "pitó" in Brazil, is traditionally used as an insect repellent, and several studies have demonstrated its larvicidal activity. The aim of this study was to investigate this species and evaluate its potential ovicidal, pupicidal, adulticidal, and repellent activity. The viability of the eggs was evaluated using different concentrations of the test substances for 25 days. The hexane fraction killed 72.7% of the eggs, while dichloromethane killed 67.7%. The survival of the pupae and adults was verified after 72 h and 48 h, respectively. The LC50 for the hexane and dichloromethane fractions was 0.12 mg/mL and 8.85 mg/mL for pupae, 8.01 mg/mL and 0.74 mg/mL for adults (tarsal test), and 0.05 mg/mL and 0.23 mg/mL for adults (body test), respectively. Repellency was assessed for 240 min using neonatal Wistar rats on a Y-tube olfactometer. The hexane fraction attracted mosquitoes to the test chamber, while the dichloromethane fraction had a repellent action. The 7,4'-di-O-methyl-8-O-sulfate flavone provides greater repellency, and this finding is similar to the results of the in silico studies that have shown the potential of this substance against adult mosquitoes. This suggests that 7,4'-di-O-methyl-8-O-sulfate flavone may be one of the substances present in the extract from aerial parts of H. velutina that is responsible for the repellent activity mentioned in traditional medicine. These findings provide a better understanding of the insecticidal and repellent activity of the extract, fraction, and compounds isolated from H. velutina against Ae. aegypti, thereby revealing its potential in the development of a more effective botanical insecticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diégina Araújo Fernandes
- Pharmacist, MSc. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos (PgPNSB), Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
| | - Hyago Luiz Rique
- Curso de Graduação em Biotecnologia, UFPB, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
| | | | | | | | - Fabiola da Cruz Nunes
- Veterinarian, DSc. Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, UFPB, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.
- Correspondence Fabiola da Cruz Nunes Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB Centro de Biotecnologia, Campus I - Lot. Cidade Universitaria, Campus João Pessoa CEP 58051-970 - João Pessoa (PB), Brasil E-mail:
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27
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Bitencourt RDOB, Salcedo-Porras N, Umaña-Diaz C, da Costa Angelo I, Lowenberger C. Antifungal immune responses in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): A review. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 178:107505. [PMID: 33238166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes transmit many parasites and pathogens to humans that cause significant morbidity and mortality. As such, we are constantly looking for new methods to reduce mosquito populations, including the use of effective biological controls. Entomopathogenic fungi are excellent candidate biocontrol agents to control mosquitoes. Understanding the complex ecological, environmental, and molecular interactions between hosts and pathogens are essential to create novel, effective and safe biocontrol agents. Understanding how mosquitoes recognize and eliminate pathogens such as entomopathogenic fungi may allow us to create insect-order specific biocontrol agents to reduce pest populations. Here we summarize the current knowledge of fungal infection, colonization, development, and replication within mosquitoes and the innate immune responses of the mosquitoes towards the fungal pathogens, emphasizing those features required for an effective mosquito biocontrol agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt
- Program in Veterinary Science, Institute of Veterinary Science, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil; Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Nicolas Salcedo-Porras
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Claudia Umaña-Diaz
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Isabele da Costa Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada.
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28
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Yuan C, Wu J, Peng Y, Li Y, Shen S, Deng F, Hu Z, Zhou J, Wang M, Zou Z. Transcriptome analysis of the innate immune system of Hyalomma asiaticum. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 177:107481. [PMID: 33035534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are considered to be the second most important vectors of human infectious diseases. The innate immune system is the key factor that affects its vector competence. Hyalomma asiaticum is the primary vector of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). However, the immune system of H. asiaticum remains virtually unknown. Here, a high throughput full-length mRNA sequencing method was adopted to define the immunotranscriptome of H. asiaticum infected with the fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana and gram-negative bacterium Enterobacter cloacae. The analysis yielded 22,300 isoforms with an average length of 3233 bps. In total, 68 potential immunity-related genes were identified based on similarity to the homologs known to be involved in immunity. These included most members of the Toll and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, but not the IMD signaling pathway. Moreover, two copies of Dicer-2 and five copies of Argonaute-2 were detected. These genes are postulated to be involved in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, which is an important defense against RNA viruses. Overall, this study provides the foundation for understanding the immune response of H. asiaticum to CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jia Wu
- Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory, Mega-Science Center for Bio-Safety Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yun Peng
- Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory, Mega-Science Center for Bio-Safety Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yufeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shu Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
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29
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Liu WQ, Chen SQ, Bai HQ, Wei QM, Zhang SN, Chen C, Zhu YH, Yi TW, Guo XP, Chen SY, Yin MJ, Sun CF, Liang SH. The Ras/ERK signaling pathway couples antimicrobial peptides to mediate resistance to dengue virus in Aedes mosquitoes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008660. [PMID: 32866199 PMCID: PMC7485967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes mosquitoes can transmit dengue and several other severe vector-borne viral diseases, thereby influencing millions of people worldwide. Insects primarily control and clear the viral infections via their innate immune systems. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are both evolutionarily conserved components of the innate immune systems. In this study, we investigated the role of MAPKs in Aedes mosquitoes following DENV infection by using genetic and pharmacological approaches. We demonstrated that knockdown of ERK, but not of JNK or p38, significantly enhances the viral replication in Aedes mosquito cells. The Ras/ERK signaling is activated in both the cells and midguts of Aedes mosquitoes following DENV infection, and thus plays a role in restricting the viral infection, as both genetic and pharmacological activation of the Ras/ERK pathway significantly decreases the viral titers. In contrast, inhibition of the Ras/ERK pathway enhances DENV infection. In addition, we identified a signaling crosstalk between the Ras/ERK pathway and DENV-induced AMPs in which defensin C participates in restricting DENV infection in Aedes mosquitoes. Our results reveal that the Ras/ERK signaling pathway couples AMPs to mediate the resistance of Aedes mosquitoes to DENV infection, which provides a new insight into understanding the crosstalk between MAPKs and AMPs in the innate immunity of mosquito vectors during the viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Quan Liu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Si-Qi Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hao-Qiang Bai
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qi-Mei Wei
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sheng-Nan Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi-Han Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tang-Wei Yi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Pu Guo
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Si-Yuan Chen
- School of the 1 Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Meng-Jie Yin
- School of the 1 Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chen-Feng Sun
- School of the 1 Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shao-Hui Liang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Qasim M, Xiao H, He K, Omar MAA, Liu F, Ahmed S, Li F. Genetic engineering and bacterial pathogenesis against the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes. Microb Pathog 2020; 147:104391. [PMID: 32679245 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the main vector of multiple diseases worldwide and transmit viral (malaria, chikungunya, encephalitis, yellow fever, as well as dengue fever), as well as bacterial diseases (tularemia). To manage the outbreak of mosquito populations, various management programs include the application of chemicals, followed by biological and genetic control. Here we aimed to focus on the role of bacterial pathogenesis and molecular tactics for the management of mosquitoes and their vectorial capacity. Bacterial pathogenesis and molecular manipulations have a substantial impact on the biology of mosquitoes, and both strategies change the gene expression and regulation of disease vectors. The strategy for genetic modification is also proved to be excellent for the management of mosquitoes, which halt the development of population via incompatibility of different sex. Therefore, the purpose of the present discussion is to illustrate the impact of both approaches against the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes. Moreover, it could be helpful to understand the relationship of insect-pathogen and to manage various insect vectors as well as diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Qasim
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Huamei Xiao
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth and Development Regulation of Jiangxi Province, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China
| | - Kang He
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mohamed A A Omar
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Feiling Liu
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Sohail Ahmed
- Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Fei Li
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Du J, Lin Z, Volovych O, Lu Z, Zou Z. A RhoGAP venom protein from Microplitis mediator suppresses the cellular response of its host Helicoverpa armigera. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 108:103675. [PMID: 32173445 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Female parasitoid wasps normally inject virulence factors together with eggs into their host to counter host immunity defenses. A newly identified RhoGAP protein in the venom of Microplitis mediator compromises the cellular immunity of its host, Helicoverpa armigera. RhoGAP1 proteins entered H. armigera hemocytes, and the host cellular cytoskeleton was disrupted. Depletion of MmGAP1 by injection of dsRNA or antibody increased the wasp egg encapsulation rate. An immunoprecipitation assay of overexpressed MmGAP1 protein in a Helicoverpa cell line showed that MmGAP1 interacts with many cellular cytoskeleton associated proteins as well as Rho GTPases. A yeast two-hybrid and a pull-down assay demonstrated that MmGAP1 interacts with H. armigera RhoA and Cdc42. These results show that the RhoGAP protein in M. mediator can destroy the H. armigera hemocyte cellular cytoskeleton, restrain host cellular immune defense, and increase the probability of successful parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Du
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhe Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Olga Volovych
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, Huzhou University, Huzhou, 311300, China.
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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: 6.8] [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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Drosophila melanogaster as a model for arbovirus infection of adult salivary glands. Virology 2020; 543:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Silvestre Pereira Dornelas A, A Sarmento R, C Rezende Silva L, de Souza Saraiva A, J de Souza D, D Bordalo M, Mvm Soares A, Lt Pestana J. Toxicity of microbial insecticides toward the non-target freshwater insect Chironomus xanthus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:1164-1172. [PMID: 31595634 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commercial formulations based on Bacillus thuringiensis subs. kurstaki (Btk) and Beauveria bassiana (Bb) are commonly used microbial insecticides in Brazil and other tropical regions. However, and despite being considered environmentally friendly, their use generates concerns regarding possible adverse ecological effects in freshwater ecosystems. Here, we evaluate the effects of these bioinsecticides on the tropical aquatic dipteran Chironomus xanthus under laboratory conditions. RESULTS After laboratory exposures to these compounds 48-h median lethal concentration (LC50 ) values of 1534 μg a.i./L for Btk and of 6.35 μg a.i./L for Bb were estimated. Chronic assays revealed different sublethal effects: Btk-based bioinsecticide exposure reduced C. xanthus growth [lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) was 126 μg a.i./L for head width], decreased emergence rate (LOEC = 8 μg a.i./L) and increased immunological response (LOEC = 50 μg a.i./L) measured as total hemocyte count in larvae hemolymph. Exposure to low concentrations of Bb-based insecticide also reduced C. xanthus growth (LOEC = 0.07 μg a.i./L for larvae body length measurements), and emergence rate (LOEC = 0.28 μg a.i./L), despite no clear effects on the total hemocyte counts. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that low concentrations of Btk and Bb bioinsecticides are toxic to C. xanthus. Given their widespread use and occurrence in tropical freshwater systems, research is needed to evaluate the potential effects of these compounds concerning natural freshwater insect communities and ecosystem functioning. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renato A Sarmento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi, Brazil
| | | | - Althiéris de Souza Saraiva
- Departamento de Agropecuária (Conservação de Agroecossistemas e Ecotoxicologia), Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano - Campus Campos Belos, Campos Belos, Brazil
| | - Danival J de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi, Brazil
| | - Maria D Bordalo
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu Mvm Soares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Lt Pestana
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Wang L, Liu H, Fu H, Zhang L, Guo P, Xia Q, Zhao P. Silkworm serpin32 functions as a negative-regulator in prophenoloxidase activation. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 91:123-131. [PMID: 30339875 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular serine protease cascade is an essential component of insect humoral immunity. Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) play an important regulatory role in the process of insect immunity by regulating the serine protease cascade pathway. We aimed to clarify the function of Bmserpin32 in this study. First, we performed homologous sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of Bmserpin32. Bmserpin32 was found to share 64% amino acid sequence identity with Manduca sexta serpin7, an immunomodulatory protein. Bmserpin32 cDNA was cloned, and the recombinant Bmserpin32 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity and gel filtration chromatography. The activity assay showed that Bmserpin32 had significant inhibitory activity against trypsin. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis combined with activity assays indicated that the cleavage site of Bmserpin32 is between Arg359 and Ile360. After infection with E. coli or Micrococcus luteus, the expression level of Bmserpin32 in immune-related tissues was significantly upregulated. In addition, Bmserpin32 could delay or inhibit the melanization of hemolymph by inhibiting the activation of prophenoloxidase in larval hemolymph. Furthermore, a physiological target of Bmserpin32 was identified as the clip protease, BmPAP3, an apparent ortholog of M. sexta propenoloxidase-activating protease-3. Our observations enable a better understanding of the physiological role of Bmserpin32 in regulating melanization in silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huanyi Fu
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengchao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Wei Z, Sun W, Tran NT, Gong Y, Ma H, Zheng H, Zhang Y, Li S. Two novel serine proteases from Scylla paramamosain involved in the synthesis of anti-lipopolysaccharide factors and activation of prophenoloxidase system. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 84:322-332. [PMID: 30300737 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteases (SPs) are important in various immune responses, including prophenoloxidase (proPO) activation, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) synthesis, and hemolymph coagulation in invertebrates. In this study, SP3 and SP5 of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) were studied. SP3 and SP5 were expressed in all examined tissues (mainly in hemocytes), and are associated with the immune responses of mud crab to Vibrio parahemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as interacted with TRAF6, and are involved in the activation of anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs) probably through the TLR/NF-κB pathway. Depletion of SP3 inhibited the expression of ALF1, ALF2, ALF3, and ALF6, while knockdown of SP5 significantly decreased ALF5, and ALF6. Furthermore, both SP5 and TRAF6 regulated the PO activity in the hemolymph of mud crab. Overexpression assay showed that both SP3 and SP5 could enhance the promoter activities of ALFs in mud crab. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that SP3 and SP5 might play important roles in the immune system of mud crab against pathogen invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Wanwei Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Ngoc Tuan Tran
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Hongyu Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Huaiping Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Yueling Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Shengkang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China.
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Souza-Neto JA, Powell JR, Bonizzoni M. Aedes aegypti vector competence studies: A review. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 67:191-209. [PMID: 30465912 PMCID: PMC8135908 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the primary transmitter of the four viruses that have had the greatest impact on human health, the viruses causing yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika fever. Because this mosquito is easy to rear in the laboratory and these viruses grow in laboratory tissue culture cells, many studies have been performed testing the relative competence of different populations of the mosquito to transmit many different strains of viruses. We review here this large literature including studies on the effect of the mosquito microbiota on competence. Because of the heterogeneity of both mosquito populations and virus strains used, as well as methods measuring potential to transmit, it is very difficult to perform detailed meta-analysis of the studies. However, a few conclusions can be drawn: (1) almost no population of Ae. aegypti is 100% naturally refractory to virus infection. Complete susceptibility to infection has been observed for Zika (ZIKV), dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV), but not yellow fever viruses (YFV); (2) the dose of virus used is directly correlated to the rate of infection; (3) Brazilian populations of mosquito are particularly susceptible to DENV-2 infections; (4) the Asian lineage of ZIKV is less infective to Ae. aegypti populations from the American continent than is the African ZIKV lineage; (5) virus adaptation to different species of mosquitoes has been demonstrated with CHIKV; (6) co-infection with more than one virus sometimes causes displacement while in other cases has little effect; (7) the microbiota in the mosquito also has important effects on level of susceptibility to arboviral infection; (8) resistance to virus infection due to the microbiota may be direct (e.g., bacteria producing antiviral proteins) or indirect in activating the mosquito host innate immune system; (9) non-pathogenic insect specific viruses (ISVs) are also common in mosquitoes including genome insertions. These too have been shown to have an impact on the susceptibility of mosquitoes to pathogenic viruses. One clear conclusion is that it would be a great advance in this type of research to implement standardized procedures in order to obtain comparable and reproducible results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayme A Souza-Neto
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, Multiuser Central Laboratory, Botucatu, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biotechnology, Botucatu, Brazil
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38
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Alfonso-Parra C, Avila FW. Molecular Responses to the Zika Virus in Mosquitoes. Pathogens 2018; 7:pathogens7020049. [PMID: 29751526 PMCID: PMC6027243 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens7020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV), originally discovered in 1947, did not become a major concern until the virus swept across the Pacific and into the Americas in the last decade, bringing with it news of neurological complications and birth defects in ZIKV affected areas. This prompted researchers to dissect the molecular interactions between ZIKV and the mosquito vector in an attempt to better understand not only the changes that occur upon infection, but to also identify molecules that may potentially enhance or suppress a mosquito’s ability to become infected and/or transmit the virus. Here, we review what is currently known regarding ZIKV-mosquito molecular interactions, focusing on ZIKV infection of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, the primary species implicated in transmitting ZIKV during the recent outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Alfonso-Parra
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Mosquito Reproductive Biology, University of Antioquia, Calle 67 #53-108, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical, Carerra 43A # 52 sur-99, Sabaneta 055450, Colombia.
| | - Frank W Avila
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Mosquito Reproductive Biology, University of Antioquia, Calle 67 #53-108, Medellín 050010, Colombia.
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