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Yan L, Nur Faidah A, Sun L, Cao C. Hemolin increases the immune response of a caterpillar to NPV infection. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 155:104651. [PMID: 38763360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Hemolin, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, plays a crucial role in the immune responses of insects against pathogens. However, the innate immune response of Hemolin to baculovirus infection varies among different insects, and the antiviral effects of Hemolin in Hyphantria cunea (HcHemolin) remain poorly understood. Our results showed that HcHemolin was expressed throughout all developmental stages, with higher expressions observed during pupal and adult stages of H. cunea. Additionally, HcHemolin was expressed in reproductive and digestive organs. The expression levels of the HcHemolin were induced significantly following H. cunea nucleopolyhedrovirus (HcNPV) infection. The susceptibility of H. cunea larvae to HcNPV decreased upon silencing of HcHemolin, resulting in a 40% reduction in median lifespan compared to the control group. The relative growth rate (RGR), the relative efficiency of consumption rate (RCR), the efficiency of the conversion of ingested food (ECI), and efficiency of the conversion of digested food (ECD) of silenced H. cunea larvae were significantly lower than those of the control group. Immune challenge assays showed that the median lifespan of treated H. cunea larvae was two-fold longer than the control group after HcNPV and HcHemolin protein co-injection. Therefore, we propose that HcHemolin plays a crucial role in regulating the growth, development, and food utilization of H. cunea, as well as in the antiviral immune response against HcNPV. These findings provide implications for the development of targeted nucleic acid pesticides and novel strategies for pollution-free biological control synergists for HcNPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China.
| | - Arina Nur Faidah
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China.
| | - Lili Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China.
| | - Chuanwang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China.
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Ramírez-Sotelo U, García-Carnero LC, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Gómez-Gaviria M, Mora-Montes HM. An ELISA-based method for Galleria mellonella apolipophorin-III quantification. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17117. [PMID: 38500532 PMCID: PMC10946395 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian models, such as murine, are used widely in pathophysiological studies because they have a high degree of similarity in body temperature, metabolism, and immune response with humans. However, non-vertebrate animal models have emerged as alternative models to study the host-pathogen interaction with minimal ethical concerns. Galleria mellonella is an alternative model that has proved useful in studying the interaction of the host with either bacteria or fungi, performing drug testing, and assessing the immunological response to different microorganisms. The G. mellonella immune response includes cellular and humoral components with structural and functional similarities to the immune effectors found in higher vertebrates, such as humans. An important humoral effector stimulated during infections is apolipophorin III (apoLp-III), an opsonin characterized by its lipid and carbohydrate-binding properties that participate in lipid transport, as well as immunomodulatory activity. Despite some parameters, such as the measurement of phenoloxidase activity, melanin production, hemocytes counting, and expression of antimicrobial peptides genes are already used to assess the G. mellonella immune response to pathogens with different virulence degrees, the apoLp-III quantification remains to be a parameter to assess the immune response in this invertebrate. Here, we propose an immunological tool based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that allows apoLp-III quantification in the hemolymph of larvae challenged with pathogenic agents. We tested the system with hemolymph coming from larvae infected with Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix globosa, and Sporothrix brasiliensis. The results revealed significantly higher concentrations of apoLp-III when each microbial species was inoculated, in comparison with untouched larvae, or inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline. We also demonstrated that the apoLp-III levels correlated with the strains' virulence, which was already reported. To our knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to quantify apoLp-III, using a quick and easy-to-use serological technique.
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Zhou YM, Xie W, Zhi JR, Zou X. Frankliniella occidentalis pathogenic fungus Lecanicillium interacts with internal microbes and produces sublethal effects. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 197:105679. [PMID: 38072536 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a pest that feeds on various crops worldwide. A prior study identified Lecanicillium attenuatum and L. cauligalbarum as pathogens of F. occidentalis. Unfortunately, the potential of these two entomopathogenic fungi for the biocontrol of F. occidentalis has not been effectively evaluated. The internal microbes (endosymbionts and the gut microbiota) of insects, especially gut bacteria, are crucial in regulating the interactions between the host and intestinal pathogens. The role of thrips internal microbes in the infection of these two entomopathogenic fungi is also unknown. Therefore, biological control of thrips is immediately needed, and to accomplish that, an improved understanding of the internal microbes of thrips against Lecanicillium infection is essential. The virulence of the two pathogenic fungi against F. occidentalis increased with the conidia concentration. Overall, the LC50 of L. cauligalbarum was lower than that of L. attenuatum, and the pathogenicity degree was adult > pupa > nymphs. The activities of protective enzymes include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD); detoxification enzymes include polyphenol oxidase (PPO), glutathione s-transferase (GSTs), and carboxylesterase (CarE); hormones include ecdysone and juvenile hormone; and the composition and proportion of microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) in F. occidentalis infected by L. cauligalbarum and L. attenuatum have changed significantly. According to the network correlation results, there was a considerable correlation among the internal microbes (including bacteria and fungi), enzyme activities, and hormones, which indicates that in addition to bacteria, internal fungi of F. occidentalis are also involved in the L. cauligalbarum and L. attenuatum infection process. In addition, the development time of the surviving F. occidentalis exposed to L. cauligalbarum or L. attenuatum was significantly shorter than that of the control group. Furthermore, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R0), mean generation time (T), and gross reproductive rate (GRR) were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the control group. L. attenuatum and L. cauligalbarum have biocontrol potential against F. occidentalis. In addition to bacteria, internal fungi of F. occidentalis are also involved in the infection process of insect pathogenic fungi. Disruption of the internal microbial balance results in discernible sublethal effects. Such prevention and control potential should not be ignored. These findings provide an improved understanding of physiological responses in thrips with altered immunity against entomopathogenic fungal infections, which can guide us toward the development of novel biocontrol strategies against thrips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ming Zhou
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, The Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China; Institute of Fungus Resources, Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, The Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Jun-Rui Zhi
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, The Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiao Zou
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
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Bugyna L, Kendra S, Bujdáková H. Galleria mellonella-A Model for the Study of aPDT-Prospects and Drawbacks. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1455. [PMID: 37374956 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella is a promising in vivo model insect used for microbiological, medical, and pharmacological research. It provides a platform for testing the biocompatibility of various compounds and the kinetics of survival after an infection followed by subsequent treatment, and for the evaluation of various parameters during treatment, including the host-pathogen interaction. There are some similarities in the development of pathologies with mammals. However, a limitation is the lack of adaptive immune response. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an alternative approach for combating microbial infections, including biofilm-associated ones. aPDT is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, regardless of whether they are resistant to conventional treatment. The main idea of this comprehensive review was to collect information on the use of G. mellonella in aPDT. It provides a collection of references published in the last 10 years from this area of research, complemented by some practical experiences of the authors of this review. Additionally, the review summarizes in brief information on the G. mellonella model, its advantages and methods used in the processing of material from these larvae, as well as basic knowledge of the principles of aPDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larysa Bugyna
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovicova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Samuel Kendra
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovicova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Helena Bujdáková
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovicova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Serrano I, Verdial C, Tavares L, Oliveira M. The Virtuous Galleria mellonella Model for Scientific Experimentation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030505. [PMID: 36978373 PMCID: PMC10044286 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The first research on the insect Galleria mellonella was published 85 years ago, and the larva is now widely used as a model to study infections caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens, for screening new antimicrobials, to study the adjacent immune response in co-infections or in host-pathogen interaction, as well as in a toxicity model. The immune system of the G. mellonella model shows remarkable similarities with mammals. Furthermore, results from G. mellonella correlate positively with mammalian models and with other invertebrate models. Unlike other invertebrate models, G. mellonella can withstand temperatures of 37 °C, and its handling and experimental procedures are simpler. Despite having some disadvantages, G. mellonella is a virtuous in vivo model to be used in preclinical studies, as an intermediate model between in vitro and mammalian in vivo studies, and is a great example on how to apply the bioethics principle of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in animal experimentation. This review aims to discuss the progress of the G. mellonella model, highlighting the key aspects of its use, including experimental design considerations and the necessity to standardize them. A different score in the “cocoon” category included in the G. mellonella Health Index Scoring System is also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa Serrano
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Cláudia Verdial
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Galleria mellonella as a Novel In Vivo Model to Screen Natural Product-Derived Modulators of Innate Immunity. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12136587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulators are drugs that either stimulate or suppress the immune system in response to an immunopathological disease or cancer. The majority of clinically approved immunomodulators are either chemically synthesised (e.g., dexamethasone) or protein-based (e.g., monoclonal antibodies), whose uses are limited due to toxicity issues, poor bioavailability, or prohibitive cost. Nature is an excellent source of novel compounds, as it is estimated that almost half of all licenced medicines are derived from nature or inspired by natural product (NP) structures. The clinical success of the fungal-derived immunosuppressant cyclosporin A demonstrates the potential of natural products as immunomodulators. Conventionally, the screening of NP molecules for immunomodulation is performed in small animal models; however, there is a growing impetus to replace animal models with more ethical alternatives. One novel approach is the use of Galleria melonella larvae as an in vivo model of immunity. Despite lacking adaptive antigen-specific immunity, this insect possesses an innate immune system comparable to mammals. In this review, we will describe studies that have used this alternative in vivo model to assess the immunomodulating activity of synthetic and NP-derived compounds, outline the array of bioassays employed, and suggest strategies to enhance the use of this model in future research.
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He X, Zhou T, Cai Y, Liu Y, Zhao S, Zhang J, Wang X, Zhang R. A Versatile Hemolin With Pattern Recognitional Contributions to the Humoral Immune Responses of the Chinese Oak Silkworm Antheraea pernyi. Front Immunol 2022; 13:904862. [PMID: 35669768 PMCID: PMC9163686 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.904862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemolin is a distinctive immunoglobulin superfamily member involved in invertebrate immune events. Although it is believed that hemolin regulates hemocyte phagocytosis and microbial agglutination in insects, little is known about its contribution to the humoral immune system. In the present study, we focused on hemolin in Antheraea pernyi (Ap-hemolin) by studying its pattern recognition property and humoral immune functions. Tissue distribution analysis demonstrated the mRNA level of Ap-hemolin was extremely immune-inducible in different tissues. The results of western blotting and biolayer interferometry showed recombinant Ap-hemolin bound to various microbes and pathogen-associated molecular patterns. In further immune functional studies, it was detected that knockdown of hemolin regulated the expression level of antimicrobial peptide genes and decreased prophenoloxidase activation in the A. pernyi hemolymph stimulated by microbial invaders. Together, these data suggest that hemolin is a multifunctional pattern recognition receptor that plays critical roles in the humoral immune responses of A. pernyi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueshan He
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianyang Zhou
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuchen Cai
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Research and Development Department, Liaoning Applos Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenyang, China
| | - Siqi Zhao
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinghai Zhang
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xialu Wang
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Zhang, ; Xialu Wang,
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Zhang, ; Xialu Wang,
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Huang XW, Xu MN, Zheng HX, Wang ML, Li L, Zeng K, Li DD. Pre-exposure to Candida glabrata protects Galleria mellonella against subsequent lethal fungal infections. Virulence 2021; 11:1674-1684. [PMID: 33200667 PMCID: PMC7714416 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1848107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Commensal fungi are an important part of human microbial community, among which Candida albicans and Candida glabrata are two common opportunistic pathogens. Unlike the high pathogenicity of C. albicans, C. glabrata is reported to show low pathogenicity to the host. Here, by using a Galleria mellonella infection model, we were able to confirm the much lower virulence of C. glabrata than C. albicans. Interestingly, pre-exposure to live C. glabrata (LCG) protects the larvae against subsequent various lethal fungal infections, including C. albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Inconsistently, heat-inactivated C. glabrata (HICG) pre-exposure can only protect against C. albicans or C. tropicalis re-infection, but not C. neoformans. Mechanistically, LCG or HICG pre-exposure enhanced the fungicidal activity of hemocytes against C. albicans or C. tropicalis. Meanwhile, LCG pre-exposure enhanced the humoral immunity by modulating the expression of fungal defending proteins in the cell-free hemolymph, which may contribute to the protection against C. neoformans. Together, this study suggests the important role of C. glabrata in enhancing host immunity, and demonstrates the great potential of G. mellonella model in studying the innate immune responses against infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wen Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Nian Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan-Xin Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Lei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Kang Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - De-Dong Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
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Sułek M, Kordaczuk J, Wojda I. Current understanding of immune priming phenomena in insects. J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 185:107656. [PMID: 34464656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107656] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
It may seem that the most important issues related to insect immunity have already been described. However, novel phenomena observed in recent years shed new light on the understanding of the immune response in insects.The adaptive abilities of insects helped them to populate all ecological land niches.One important adaptive ability of insects that facilitates their success is the plasticity of their immune system. Although they only have innate immune mechanisms, insects can increase their resistance after the first encounter with the pathogen. In recent years, this phenomenon,namedimmunepriming, has become a "hot topic" in immunobiology.Priming can occur within or across generations. In the first case, the resistance of a given individual can increase after surviving a previous infection. Transstadial immune priming occurs when infection takes place at one of the initial developmental stages and increased resistance is observed at the pupal or imago stages. Priming across generations (transgenerationalimmune priming, TGIP) relies on the increased resistance of the offspring when one or both parents are infected during their lifetime.Despite the attention that immune priming has received, basic questions remain to be answered, such as regulation of immune priming at the molecular level. Research indicates that pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) can be involved in the priming phenomenon. Recent studies have highlighted the special role of microRNAs and epigenetics, which can influence expression of genes that can be transmitted through generations although they are not encoded in the nucleotide sequence. Considerable amounts of research are required to fully understand the mechanisms that regulate priming phenomena. The aim of our work is to analyse thoroughly the most important information on immune priming in insects and help raise pertinent questions such that a greater understanding of this phenomenon can be obtained in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Sułek
- Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, Lublin 20-033, Poland.
| | - Jakub Kordaczuk
- Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, Lublin 20-033, Poland
| | - Iwona Wojda
- Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, Lublin 20-033, Poland.
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Pereira MF, Rossi CC, da Silva GC, Rosa JN, Bazzolli DMS. Galleria mellonella as an infection model: an in-depth look at why it works and practical considerations for successful application. Pathog Dis 2021; 78:5909969. [PMID: 32960263 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The larva of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella is an increasingly popular model for assessing the virulence of bacterial pathogens and the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. In this review, we discuss details of the components of the G. mellonella larval immune system that underpin its use as an alternative infection model, and provide an updated overview of the state of the art of research with G. mellonella infection models to study bacterial virulence, and in the evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy. Emphasis is given to virulence studies with relevant human and veterinary pathogens, especially Escherichia coli and bacteria of the ESKAPE group. In addition, we make practical recommendations for larval rearing and testing, and overcoming potential limitations of the use of the model, which facilitate intra- and interlaboratory reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monalessa Fábia Pereira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Microbiologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, 36800-000, Carangola, MG, Brazil
| | - Ciro César Rossi
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-901, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Giarlã Cunha da Silva
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Bactérias, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Nogueira Rosa
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Bactérias, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Denise Mara Soares Bazzolli
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Bactérias, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária-BIOAGRO, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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Sheehan G, Margalit A, Sheehan D, Kavanagh K. Proteomic profiling of bacterial and fungal induced immune priming in Galleria mellonella larvae. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 131:104213. [PMID: 33662378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Some insects display immunological priming as a result of elevated humoral and cellular responses which give enhanced survival against subsequent infection. The humoral immune response of Galleria mellonella larvae following pre-exposure to heat killed Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans cells was determined by quantitative mass spectrometry in order to assess the relationship between the humoral immune response and resistance to subsequent bacterial or fungal infection. Larvae pre-exposed to heat killed S. aureus showed increased resistance to subsequent bacterial and fungal infection. Larvae displayed an increased hemocyte density (14.08 ± 2.14 × 106 larva-1 (p < 0.05) compared to the PBS injected control [10.41 ± 1.67 × 106 larva-1]) and increased abundance of antimicrobial proteins (cecropin-D-like peptide (+22.23 fold), hdd11 (+12.61 fold) and prophenol oxidase activating enzyme 3 (+5.96 fold) in response to heat killed S. aureus. Larvae pre-exposed to heat killed C. albicans cells were resistant to subsequent fungal infection but not bacterial infection and showed a reduced hemocyte density (6.01 ± 1.63 × 106 larva-1 (p < 0.01) and increased abundance of hdd11 (+32.73 fold) and moricin-like peptide C1 (+16.76 fold). While immune priming is well recognised in G. mellonella larvae the results presented here indicate distinct differences in the response of larvae following exposure to heat killed bacterial and fungal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sheehan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Anatte Margalit
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - David Sheehan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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Shaik HA, Mishra A, Sehadová H, Kodrík D. Responses of sericotropin to toxic and pathogenic challenges: possible role in defense of the wax moth Galleria mellonella. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 227:108633. [PMID: 31644954 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.108633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study describes defense functions of the insect neuropeptide sericotropin, which is recognized as an agent that stimulates silk production in some lepidopteran larvae. Sericotropin, expressed in brain tissue of the wax moth Galleria mellonella in all developmental stages, is not expressed in silk glands, indicating its tissue specificity. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the presence of sericotropin in the brain-subesophageal complex being predominantly and densely distributed under the plasmatic membrane and in axonal parts of neurons. Injection of venom from Habrobracon hebetor and topical application of the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema carpocapsae with symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus spp. into or onto G. mellonella larvae resulted in upregulation of the sericotropin gene and peptide, suggesting a role for sericotropin in defense and immunity. Accordingly, two synthetic fragments of sericotropin killed entomotoxic Xenorhabdus spp. bacteria in a disc diffusion antimicrobial test. Further, total metabolism, monitored by carbon dioxide production, significantly decreased after application of either venom or EPN, probably because of muscle impairment by the venom and serious cell damage caused by EPN, especially in the midgut. Both venom and EPN upregulated expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides gallerimycin and galiomicin in Galleria brain; however, they downregulated prophenoloxidase and phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph. These results suggest that sericotropin is a multifunctional peptide that plays an important role in G. mellonella defense and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haq Abdul Shaik
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Archana Mishra
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Plants, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Sehadová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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13
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Abstract
The composition of insect hemolymph can change depending on many factors, e.g. access to nutrients, stress conditions, and current needs of the insect. In this chapter, insect immune-related polypeptides, which can be permanently or occasionally present in the hemolymph, are described. Their division into peptides or low-molecular weight proteins is not always determined by the length or secondary structure of a given molecule but also depends on the mode of action in insect immunity and, therefore, it is rather arbitrary. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with their role in immunity, modes of action, and classification are presented in the chapter, followed by a short description of some examples: cecropins, moricins, defensins, proline- and glycine-rich peptides. Further, we will describe selected immune-related proteins that may participate in immune recognition, may possess direct antimicrobial properties, or can be involved in the modulation of insect immunity by both abiotic and biotic factors. We briefly cover Fibrinogen-Related Proteins (FREPs), Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecules (Dscam), Hemolin, Lipophorins, Lysozyme, Insect Metalloproteinase Inhibitor (IMPI), and Heat Shock Proteins. The reader will obtain a partial picture presenting molecules participating in one of the most efficient immune strategies found in the animal world, which allow insects to inhabit all ecological land niches in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Wojda
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Kordaczuk
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Guerrieri CG, Pereira MF, Galdino ACM, Dos Santos ALS, Elias WP, Schuenck RP, Spano LC. Typical and Atypical Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Are Both Virulent in the Galleria mellonella Model. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1791. [PMID: 31456762 PMCID: PMC6700222 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is an emerging pathotype responsible for acute and persistent diarrhea. It can be classified as typical and atypical strains, respectively, based on the presence or absence of the AggR regulon, suggesting a higher virulence for typical EAEC. This study aims to evaluate in the Galleria mellonella model if there are differences in the virulence profiles among clinical strains of typical and atypical EAEC, prototype strains EAEC C1096, 042 and its aggR mutant. The clinical EAEC strains (n = 20) were analyzed for the presence of 22 putative virulence factors of EAEC or extraintestinal E. coli by PCR, as well as phenotypic characteristics of virulence (enzymes, siderophore, and biofilm). The survival of the larvae was analyzed after inoculation of 104-107 CFU/larva; the monitoring of bacterial growth in vivo and hemocyte quantification was determined after inoculation of the prototype strains (105 CFU/larva) at different periods after infection. The strains of typical and atypical EAEC presented the same virulence profile for the larva, regardless of the amount or type of genes and phenotypic aspects of virulence analyzed. In addition, the EAEC 042 aggR mutant strain showed a significant reduction in the mortality of the inoculated larvae compared to the wild-type strain. In conclusion, the results obtained herein demonstrate that the virulence of EAEC seems to be related to the AggR regulon, but not exclusively, and atypical EAEC strains may be as virulent as typical ones in vivo in the G. mellonella model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gastaldi Guerrieri
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Gastroenteritis, Department of Pathology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Monalessa Fábia Pereira
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Gastroenteritis, Department of Pathology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Anna Clara Milesi Galdino
- Laboratory of Advanced Studies of Emerging and Resistant Microorganisms, Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Advanced Studies of Emerging and Resistant Microorganisms, Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Pinto Schuenck
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Gastroenteritis, Department of Pathology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Liliana Cruz Spano
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Gastroenteritis, Department of Pathology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
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Wang X, Luo H, Zhang R. Innate immune responses in the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:22-33. [PMID: 29241953 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Innate immunity, the evolutionarily conserved defense system, has been extensively analyzed in insect models over recent decades. The significant progress in this area has formed our dominant conceptual framework of the innate immune system, but critical advances in other insects have had a profound impact on our insights into the mystery of innate immunity. In recent years, we focused on the immune responses in Antheraea pernyi, an important commercial silkworm species reared in China. Here, we review the immune responses of A. pernyi based on immune-related gene-encoded proteins that are divided into five categories, namely pattern recognition receptors, hemolymph proteinases and their inhibitors, prophenoloxidase, Toll pathway factors and antimicrobial peptides, and others. Although the summarized information is limited since the research on A. pernyi immunity is in its infancy, we hope to provide evidence for further exploration of innate immune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xialu Wang
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Hao Luo
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China.
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Investigation of immunogenic properties of Hemolin from silkworm, Bombyx mori as carrier protein: an immunoinformatic approach. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6957. [PMID: 29725106 PMCID: PMC5934409 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25374-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are the major cause of high mortality among infants and geriatric patients. Vaccines are the only weapon in our arsenal to defend us ourselves against innumerable infectious diseases. Though myriad of vaccines are available, still countless people die due to microbial infections. Subunit vaccine is an effective strategy of vaccine development, combining a highly immunogenic carrier protein with highly antigenic but non-immunogenic antigen (haptens). In this study we have made an attempt to utilize the immunoinformatic tool for carrier protein development. Immunogenic mediators (T-cell, B-cell, IFN-γ epitopes) and physiochemical properties of hemolin protein of silkworm, Bombyx mori were studied. Hemolin was found to be non-allergic and highly antigenic in nature. The refined tertiary structure of modelled hemolin was docked against TLR3 and TLR4-MD2 complex. Molecular dynamics study emphasized the stable microscopic interaction between hemolin and TLRs. In-silico cloning and codon optimization was carried out for effective expression of hemolin in E. coli expression system. The overall presence of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL), Humoral T Lymphocytes (HTL), and IFN-γ epitopes with high antigenicity depicts the potential of hemolin as a good candidate for carrier protein.
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Shafeeq T, UlAbdin Z, Lee KY. Induction of stress- and immune-associated genes in the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella against envenomation by the ectoparasitoid Bracon hebetor. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 96:e21405. [PMID: 28730731 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Envenomation is an important process in parasitism by parasitic wasps; it suppresses the immune and development of host insects. However, the molecular mechanisms of host responses to envenomation are not yet clear. This study aimed to determine the transcription-level responses of the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella against envenomation of the ectoparasitoid Bracon hebetor. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR was used to determine the transcriptional changes of 13 selected genes, which are associated with development, metabolism, stress, or immunity, in the feeding and wandering fifth instar larvae over a 4-day period after envenomation. The effects of envenomation on the feeding-stage larvae were compared with those of starvation in the transcriptional levels of the 13 genes. Most selected genes were altered in their expression by either envenomation or starvation. In particular, a heat shock protein, hsp70, was highly upregulated in envenomated larvae in both the feeding and wandering stages as well as in starved larvae. Further, some genes were upregulated by envenomation in a stage-specific manner. For example, hsp25 was upregulated after envenomation in the feeding larvae, but hsp90 and an immune-associated gene, hemolin, were upregulated in the wandering larvae. However, both envenomation and starvation resulted in the downregulation of genes associated with development and metabolism. Taken together, P. interpunctella upregulated stress- and immune-responsive genes, but downregulated genes associated with development and metabolism after envenomation. This study provides important information for understanding the molecular mechanisms of host responses to parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Shafeeq
- Division of Applied Biosciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Plant Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Zain UlAbdin
- Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Kyeong-Yeoll Lee
- Division of Applied Biosciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Plant Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Sustainable Agriculture Research Center, Kyungpook National University, Gunwi, Republic of Korea
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Zhang Y, Zhao D, Meng Z, Dong Z, Lin Y, Chen S, Xia Q, Zhao P. Wild Silkworm Cocoon Contains More Metabolites Than Domestic Silkworm Cocoon to Improve Its Protection. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2017; 17:4560634. [PMID: 29117380 PMCID: PMC5717709 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iex069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The silk of silkworm consists of fibroin fiber coated by sericins. In addition, some nonprotein components were also identified in the sericin fraction. The presence of nonprotein components in the silk has not been well explained. In the present study, methods based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to identify the metabolites in the cocoon silk from a wild silkworm and two domestic silkworm strains. In total, 45 metabolites were in the cocoon silk, including organic acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, amino acids, and hydrocarbons. Comparative analyses revealed that 17 metabolites were significant more in the wild silkworm cocoon than in the domestic silkworm cocoon, including three organic acids, three fatty acids, three aldoses, four sugar alcohols, three hydrocarbons, and pyridine. Of them, citric acid in the wild silkworm cocoon is more than 40 times that in the domestic silkworm cocoon, which may have protective value against microbes. The carbohydrate, lipid, and the long-chain hydrocarbons may act as water repellent to make the pupa survive longer in the dry environment. Many metabolites in the cocoon silk may play roles to improve the silk resistance. Lots of nonprotein components were identified in the silk for the first time, providing useful data for understanding the biological function of the cocoon silk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, China
| | - Dongchao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, China
| | - Zhu Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, China
| | - Zhaoming Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, China
| | - Shiyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, China
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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19
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Shaik HA, Mishra A, Kodrík D. Beneficial effect of adipokinetic hormone on neuromuscular paralysis in insect body elicited by braconid wasp venom. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 196:11-18. [PMID: 28257925 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The effect of Habrobracon hebetor venom and the role of the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in poisoned adult females of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus were studied 24 and 48h after treatments. Venom application elicited total neuromuscular paralysis in firebugs, but the co-application of venom and Pyrap-AKH significantly reduced paralysis (up to 3.2 times) compared to the application of venom only. Although the mechanisms of their action are unknown, both agents might affect neuromuscular junctions. Venom application significantly increased the expression of both P. apterus Akh genes (Pyrap-Akh 5.4 times and Peram-Cah-II 3.6 times), as well as the level of AKHs in the central nervous system (2.5 times) and haemolymph (3.0 times). In the haemolymph, increased AKH levels might have led to the mobilization of stored lipids, which increased 1.9 times, while the level of free carbohydrates remained unchanged. Total metabolism, monitored by carbon dioxide production, significantly declined in paralysed P. apterus individuals (1.4 times and 1.9 times, 24 and 48h after the treatment, respectively), probably because of a malfunction of the muscular system. The results suggest an active role of AKH in the defence mechanism against the stress elicited by neuromuscular paralysis, and the possible involvement of this hormone in neuronal/neuromuscular signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haq Abdul Shaik
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Archana Mishra
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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20
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Wojda I. Immunity of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:342-357. [PMID: 26847724 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Investigation of insect immune mechanisms provides important information concerning innate immunity, which in many aspects is conserved in animals. This is one of the reasons why insects serve as model organisms to study virulence mechanisms of human pathogens. From the evolutionary point of view, we also learn a lot about host-pathogen interaction and adaptation of organisms to conditions of life. Additionally, insect-derived antibacterial and antifungal peptides and proteins are considered for their potential to be applied as alternatives to antibiotics. While Drosophila melanogaster is used to study the genetic aspect of insect immunity, Galleria mellonella serves as a good model for biochemical research. Given the size of the insect, it is possible to obtain easily hemolymph and other tissues as a source of many immune-relevant polypeptides. This review article summarizes our knowledge concerning G. mellonella immunity. The best-characterized immune-related proteins and peptides are recalled and their short characteristic is given. Some other proteins identified at the mRNA level are also mentioned. The infectious routes used by Galleria natural pathogens such as Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana are also described in the context of host-pathogen interaction. Finally, the plasticity of G. mellonella immune response influenced by abiotic and biotic factors is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Wojda
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
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Chetia H, Kabiraj D, Singh D, Mosahari PV, Das S, Sharma P, Neog K, Sharma S, Jayaprakash P, Bora U. De novo transcriptome of the muga silkworm, Antheraea assamensis (Helfer). Gene 2017; 611:54-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Identification of a hemolin protein from Actias selene mediates immune response to pathogens. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 42:74-80. [PMID: 27889557 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hemolins play an important role in development and innate immunity in insects. In this study, a hemolin cDNA of 1412bp in Actias selene (As-HEM) was isolated and its open reading frames (ORFs) were 420 amino acid residues. Sequence analysis indicated As-HEM was homologous to those hemolins from other insects species. The recombinant protein of As-HEM was expressed in Escherichia coli, and anti-As-HEM antibodies were prepared. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot results revealed that mRNA and protein levels of As-HEM were mostly detected in hemocytes and hemolymph. Immune challenge assays showed that both the mRNA and protein levels of As-HEM could be induced significantly post Beauveria bassiana, E. coli, Micrococcus luteus and nuclear polyhedrosis virus challenges. Agglutination assays revealed that recombinant As-HEM could promote the agglutination of E. coli in the presence of calcium. Our results suggested that As-HEM was involved in the innate immunity of A. selene.
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Guo X, Dong Z, Zhang Y, Li Y, Liu H, Xia Q, Zhao P. Proteins in the Cocoon of Silkworm Inhibit the Growth of Beauveria bassiana. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151764. [PMID: 27032085 PMCID: PMC4816445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Silk cocoons are composed of fiber proteins (fibroins) and adhesive glue proteins (sericins), which provide a physical barrier to protect the inside pupa. Moreover, other proteins were identified in the cocoon silk, many of which are immune related proteins. In this study, we extracted proteins from the silkworm cocoon by Tris-HCl buffer (pH7.5), and found that they had a strong inhibitory activity against fungal proteases and they had higher abundance in the outer cocoon layers than in the inner cocoon layers. Moreover, we found that extracted cocoon proteins can inhibit the germination of Beauveria bassiana spores. Consistent with the distribution of protease inhibitors, we found that proteins from the outer cocoon layers showed better inhibitory effects against B. bassiana spores than proteins from the inner layers. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to reveal the extracted components in the scaffold silk, the outermost cocoon layer. A total of 129 proteins were identified, 30 of which were annotated as protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors accounted for 89.1% in abundance among extracted proteins. These protease inhibitors have many intramolecular disulfide bonds to maintain their stable structure, and remained active after being boiled. This study added a new understanding to the antimicrobial function of the cocoon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaoming Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Youshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- 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
- * E-mail:
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Tsai CJY, Loh JMS, Proft T. Galleria mellonella infection models for the study of bacterial diseases and for antimicrobial drug testing. Virulence 2016; 7:214-29. [PMID: 26730990 PMCID: PMC4871635 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1135289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 445] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth or honeycomb moth) has been introduced as an alternative model to study microbial infections. G. mellonella larvae can be easily and inexpensively obtained in large numbers and are simple to use as they don't require special lab equipment. There are no ethical constraints and their short life cycle makes them ideal for large-scale studies. Although insects lack an adaptive immune response, their innate immune response shows remarkable similarities with the immune response in vertebrates. This review gives a current update of what is known about the immune system of G. mellonella and provides an extensive overview of how G. mellonella is used to study the virulence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the use of G. mellonella to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial agents and experimental phage therapy are also discussed. The review concludes with a critical assessment of the current limitatons of G. mellonella infection models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Jia-Yun Tsai
- a Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology , School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand.,b Maurice Wilkins Center, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Jacelyn Mei San Loh
- a Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology , School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand.,b Maurice Wilkins Center, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Thomas Proft
- a Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology , School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand.,b Maurice Wilkins Center, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
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Zabelina V, Klymenko V, Tamura T, Doroshenko K, Liang H, Sezutsu H, Sehnal F. Genome engineering and parthenocloning in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. J Biosci 2015; 40:645-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-015-9548-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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26
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Molecular cloning and expression analysis of a hemolin-like molecule from Antheraea pernyi. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 26:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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He L, Cao G, Huang M, Xue R, Hu X, Gong C. Expression pattern of immunoglobulin superfamily members in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Gene 2014; 548:198-209. [PMID: 25020261 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) proteins are involved in cell adhesion, cell communication and immune functions. In this study, 152 IgSF genes containing at least one immunoglobulin (Ig) domain were predicted in the Bombyx mori silkworm genome. Of these, 145 were distributed on 25 chromosomes with no genes on chromosomes 16, 18 and 26. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic evolution analysis indicated that IgSFs evolved rapidly. Gene ontology (GO) annotation indicated that IgSF members functioned as cellular components and in molecular functions and biological processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis suggested that IgSF proteins were involved in signal transduction, signaling molecules and interaction, and cell communication. Microarray-based expression data showed tissue expression for 136 genes in anterior silkgland, middle silkgland, posterior silkgland, testis, ovary, fat body, midgut, integument, hemocyte, malpighian tubule and head. Expression pattern of IgSF genes in the silkworm ovary and midgut was analyzed by RNA-Seq. Expression of 105 genes was detected in the ovary in strain Dazao. Expression in the midgut was detected for 74 genes in strain Lan5 and 75 genes in strain Ou17. Expression of 34 IgSF genes in the midgut relative to the actin A3 gene was significantly different between strains Lan5 and Ou17. Furthermore, 1 IgSF gene was upregulated and 1 IgSF gene was downregulated in strain Lan5, and 4 IgSF genes were upregulated and 2 IgSF genes were downregulated in strain Ou17 after silkworms were challenged with B. mori cypovirus (BmCPV), indicating potential involvement in the response to BmCPV-infection. These results provide an overview of IgSF family members in silkworms, and lay the foundation for further functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei He
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Guangli Cao
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Moli Huang
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Renyu Xue
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Hu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Gong
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Abstract
AbstractInsects are good models for studying the innate immune response. We report that Galleria mellonella larvae infected with entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki show changes in the level of Hsp90. Our experimental approach was to pre-treat larvae with the Hsp90-binding compound, 17-DMAG, before infection with B. thuringiensis. We show that pre-treated animals display a higher level of immune response. This was mainly manifested by enhanced action of their hemolymph directed toward living bacteria as well as lysozyme activity digesting bacterial peptidoglycan. The observed phenomenon was due to the higher activity of antimicrobial peptides which, in contrast to healthy animals, was detected in the hemolymph of the immunestimulated larvae. Finally, the physiological significance of our observation was highlighted by the fact that G. mellonella pre-treated with 17-DMAG showed a prolonged survival rate after infection with B. thuringiensis than the control animals. Our report points to a role for Hsp90 in the immune response of G. mellonella after infection with B. thuringiensis at the optimal growth temperature.
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Gao K, Deng XY, Qian HY, Wu P, Qin GX, Liu T, Shen ZY, Guo XJ. Novel protein of IBP from silkworm, Bombyx mori, involved in cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus infection. J Invertebr Pathol 2012; 110:83-91. [PMID: 22401767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2012.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the full-length cDNA of a novel insulin-related peptide-binding protein (named BmIBP2) was identified from silkworm, Bombyx mori, using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The full-length cDNA of BmIBP2 is 1293 bp, consisting of a 5'-terminal untranslated region (UTR) of 61 bp, and a 3'-UTR of 335 bp with a poly-adenylation signal sequence AATAAA and a poly (A) tail. The BmIBP2 cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 298 amino acids, including an IG domain and an IGc2 domain, with a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.73 and a predicted molecular weight of 33.1 kDa. The BmIBP2 also has a signal peptide of 23 amino acids and a potential N-glycosylation site. The sequence similarity and phylogenic analysis indicated that BmIBP2 belongs to the group of invertebrates IBP and is closer to IGFBP7 than to the other IGFBPs in vertebrates. These findings suggest that BmIBP2 is a putative homolog of vertebrate endocrine factor IGFBP7 and has a functional similarity. By fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, mRNA transcripts of BmIBP2 were mainly detected in the midgut but were hardly detectable in the hemocytes, vasa mucosa, fat body, silk gland, head, testicle, ovary, and spiracle. After the silkworm larvae were infected by B. mori cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (BmCPV), a significant up-regulation in the relative expression level of BmIBP2 was found. All the results suggested that BmIBP2 is a novel protein that plays an important role in the insulin-signal pathway and in the immune response of silkworm to BmCPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Gao
- Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, Jiangsu, China
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Gayral P, Weinert L, Chiari Y, Tsagkogeorga G, Ballenghien M, Galtier N. Next-generation sequencing of transcriptomes: a guide to RNA isolation in nonmodel animals. Mol Ecol Resour 2011; 11:650-61. [PMID: 21481219 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2011.03010.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Next Generation Sequencing technologies (NGS) are rapidly invading many evolutionary and ecological fields, such as phylogenomics, molecular evolution, population genomics and molecular ecology. Among the potential targets of NGS is transcriptome sequencing, a fast and relatively cheap way to generate massive amounts of coding sequence data, offering promising perspectives for the analysis of molecular diversity in the wild. A number of molecular ecology research groups therefore may switch from DNA-based to RNA-based typing in the near future. Sample preparation from natural populations, however, requires specific care and protocols when RNA is the target. Furthermore, NGS sequencing of transcriptome requires high amount of good-quality RNA. Here we present the results of RNA extraction experiments from various samples of 39 animal species caught in the wild. We compared tissue preparation and storage conditions, evaluated and improved standard RNA extraction protocols, and achieved RNA yield and quality suitable for NGS in all cases. We derive general guidelines for the production of ready-to-sequence RNA in nonmodel animals sampled in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Gayral
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, CNRS UMR 5554, Université Montpellier 2, Place E Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France.
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Kim RJ, Jo YH, Oh SH, Park CH, Noh MY, Lee HJ, Kim S, Lee YS, Kim I, Han YS. Cloning and expression pattern of a hemolin homologue from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Genes Genomics 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-010-0834-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Terenius O, Popham HJR, Shelby KS. Bacterial, but not baculoviral infections stimulate Hemolin expression in noctuid moths. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 33:1176-1185. [PMID: 19540262 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2009.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Revised: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Lepidopteran larvae are regularly infected by baculoviruses during feeding on infected plants. The differences in sensitivity to these infections can be substantial, even among closely related species. For example, the noctuids Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa zea) and Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), have a 1000-fold difference in sensitivity to Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) infection. Recent data were interpreted to indicate that the lepidopteran immunoglobulin protein, Hemolin, is synthesized upon viral injection and therefore to participate in anti-viral responses. To investigate whether Hemolin synthesis is affected by a natural viral infection, specific transcription in fat bodies and hemocytes of H. zea and H. virescens larvae was monitored following per os infection with the baculovirus HzSNPV (H. zea single nucleopolyhedrovirus). Both moths showed the same expression pattern as seen in uninfected animals and coincided with ecdysone responses, previously known to induce Hemolin expression. In contrast, injection of lyophilized Micrococcus luteus resulted in increased Hemolin expression supporting a role for Hemolin as an immuno-responsive protein in these species. The combined data are consistent with the suggestion that while Hemolin seems to participate in the response to virus infection in the superfamily Bombycoidea, this is not true in the Noctuoidea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olle Terenius
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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