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Ming Z, Chen Z, Tong H, Zhou X, Feng T, Dai J. Immune functions of C-type lectins in medical arthropods. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:652-662. [PMID: 36661334 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13169] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a family of proteins that contain 1 or more carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) and bind to a broad repertoire of ligands in the presence of calcium ions. CTLs play important roles in innate immune defenses against microorganisms by acting as pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) for invading pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. After binding to pathogen-associated ligands, CTLs mediate immune responses, such as agglutination, phagocytosis, and the activation of phenol oxidase progenitors, thereby clearing pathogens. CTLs are an evolutionarily conserved family found in almost all vertebrates and invertebrates. Medical arthropods can acquire and transmit a range pathogens through various approaches, such as bloodsucking, lancing, and parasitism, thus infecting humans and animals with related diseases, some of which can be life-threatening. Recent studies have shown that lectins are important components of the arthropod immune system and are essential for the immune responses of arthropods to arthropod-borne pathogens. This article reviews the current understanding of the structure, function, and signaling pathways involved in CTLs derived from important medical arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Ming
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao Tong
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianfeng Dai
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 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] [Grants] [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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Mehmood N, Hassan A, Zhong X, Zhu Y, Ouyang G, Huang Q. Entomopathogenic fungal infection following immune gene silencing decreased behavioral and physiological fitness in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 195:105535. [PMID: 37666588 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105535] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi are a promising category of biocontrol agents with mosquitocidal properties. Prior studies have proved their potential to reduce fecundity, human biting and vector competence, all of them together determine vectorial capacity of the mosquitoes. Unfortunately, conventional vector control strategies are inadequate with growing problem of insecticide resistance and environmental deterioration. Therefore, alternate vector control measures are immediately needed and to accomplish that, an improved understanding of behavioral and physiological defense mechanisms of the mosquitoes against fungal infection is essential. In this study, fitness was considered with respect to different behavioral (self-grooming and flight), physiological (antifungal activity and antimicrobial peptides) parameters and survival rates as compared to the control group. We found a significant upregulation in CLSP2, TEP22, Rel1 and Rel2 genes at multiple time periods of fungal infection, which indicates the successful fungal infection and activation of Toll and IMD pathways in mosquitoes. RNAi-mediated silencing of Rel1 and Rel2 genes (transcription factors of Toll and IMD pathways, respectively) significantly reduced the survival, self-grooming frequencies and durations, and flight locomotor activity among adult Ae. aegypti female mosquitoes. Moreover, Rel1 and Rel2 knockdown significantly decreased antifungal activity and antimicrobial peptides expression levels in target mosquitoes. These results indicate an overall decrease in fitness of the mosquitoes after fungal challenge following Rel1 and Rel2 silencing. These findings provide an improved understanding of behavioral and physiological responses in mosquitoes with altered immunity against entomopathogenic fungal infections which can guide us towards the development of novel biocontrol strategies against mosquitoes.
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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
| | - Qiuying Huang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Lin Z, Cheng J, Mu X, Kuang X, Li Z, Wu J. A C-type lectin in saliva of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) bind and agglutinate microorganisms with broad spectrum. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2023; 23:1. [PMID: 37399114 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iead043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Via complex salivary mixture, mosquitos can intervene immune response and be helpful to transmit several viruses causing deadly human diseases. Some C-type lectins (CTLs) of mosquito have been reported to be pattern recognition receptor to either resist or promote pathogen invading. Here, we investigated the expression profile and agglutination function of an Aedes albopictus CTL (Aalb_CTL2) carrying a single carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) and WND/KPD motifs. The results showed that Aalb_CTL2 was found to be specifically expressed in mosquito saliva gland and its expression was not induced by blood-feeding. The recombinant Aalb_CTL2 (rAalb_CTL2) could agglutinate mouse erythrocytes in the presence of calcium and the agglutinating activity could be inhibited by EDTA. rAalb_CTL2 also displayed the sugar binding ability to D-mannose, D-galactose, D-glucose, and maltose. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that rAalb_CTL2 could bind and agglutinate Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as fungus Candida albicans in vitro in a calcium dependent manner. However, rAalb_CTL2 could not promote type 2 dengue virus (DENV-2) replication in THP-1 and BHK-21 cell lines. These findings uncover that Aalb_CTL2 might be involved in the innate immunity of mosquito to resist microorganism multiplication in sugar and blood meals to help mosquito survive in the varied natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zimin Lin
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Parasitology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jinzhi Cheng
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Parasitology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiaohui Mu
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Parasitology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Kuang
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Parasitology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jiahong Wu
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Parasitology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Wang S, Ai H, Zhang Y, Bi J, Gao H, Chen P, Li B. Functional Analysis of a Multiple-Domain CTL15 in the Innate Immunity, Eclosion, and Reproduction of Tribolium castaneum. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040608. [PMID: 36831275 PMCID: PMC9954269 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040608] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
C-type lectin X (CTL-X) plays critical roles in immune defense, cell adhesion, and developmental regulation. Here, a transmembrane CTL-X of Tribolium castaneum, TcCTL15, with multiple domains was characterized. It was highly expressed in the early and late pupae and early adults and was distributed in all examined tissues. In addition, its expression levels were significantly induced after being challenged with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and bacteria. In vitro, the recombinant TcCTL15 could recognize bacteria through binding PAMPs and exhibit agglutinating activity against a narrow range of bacteria in the presence of Ca2+. RNAi-mediated TcCTL15-knockdown-larvae infected with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus showed less survival, had activated immune signaling pathways, and induced the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes. Moreover, silencing TcCTL15 caused eclosion defects by impairing ecdysone and crustacean cardioactive peptide receptors (CCAPRs). Suppression of TcCTL15 in female adults led to defects in ovary development and fecundity, accompanied by concomitant reductions in the mRNA levels of vitellogenin (TcVg) and farnesol dehydrogenase (TcFDH). These findings imply that TcCTL15 has extensive functions in developmental regulation and antibacterial immunity. Uncovering the function of TcCTL15 will enrich the understanding of CTL-X in invertebrates. Its multiple biological functions endow the potential to be an attractive target for pest control.
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Yuan C, Yang Q, Wu J, Peng Y, Li Y, Xiong S, Zhou J, Wang M, Hu Z, Zou Z, Xia Q. Proteomics reveals the hemolymph components of partially fed Hyalomma asiaticum ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102032. [PMID: 36088665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hemolymph infection facilitates pathogen invasion of internal tick tissues. However, the overall protein composition of the hemolymph has not been analyzed for any tick species. Here, a gel based liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was used to characterize the hemolymph proteome of Hyalomma asiaticum females during blood feeding. A total of 311 proteins were identified. Hemelipoglyco-carrier proteins, apolipophorin-like proteins, and intracellular proteins were the most abundant proteins. Thirteen immunity-related proteins were identified, including peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP), Thioester-containing proteins (TEPs), clip‑serine proteinases, serpins and Dome. The presence of hemocytin, proclotting enzyme homologs, serpins, TEPs, factor D-like protein and the lack of coagulin, hemocyanin, and prophenoloxidase suggest ticks may possess a unique coagulation system, which is largely different from that of insects. Taken together, the study revealed the constitution, level, and possible functions of global hemolymph proteins in H. asiaticum and could facilitate the discovery of new targets for control of tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qingtai Yang
- 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
| | - Shirui Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199, 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
| | - Zhihong Hu
- 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.
| | - Qianfeng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199, China.
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Bruno D, Montali A, Mastore M, Brivio MF, Mohamed A, Tian L, Grimaldi A, Casartelli M, Tettamanti G. Insights Into the Immune Response of the Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Bacteria. Front Immunol 2021; 12:745160. [PMID: 34867970 PMCID: PMC8636706 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.745160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In insects, a complex and effective immune system that can be rapidly activated by a plethora of stimuli has evolved. Although the main cellular and humoral mechanisms and their activation pathways are highly conserved across insects, the timing and the efficacy of triggered immune responses can differ among different species. In this scenario, an insect deserving particular attention is the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Indeed, BSF larvae can be reared on a wide range of decaying organic substrates and, thanks to their high protein and lipid content, they represent a valuable source of macromolecules useful for different applications (e.g., production of feedstuff, bioplastics, and biodiesel), thus contributing to the development of circular economy supply chains for waste valorization. However, decaying substrates bring the larvae into contact with different potential pathogens that can challenge their health status and growth. Although these life strategies have presumably contributed to shape the evolution of a sophisticated and efficient immune system in this dipteran, knowledge about its functional features is still fragmentary. In the present study, we investigated the processes underpinning the immune response to bacteria in H. illucens larvae and characterized their reaction times. Our data demonstrate that the cellular and humoral responses in this insect show different kinetics: phagocytosis and encapsulation are rapidly triggered after the immune challenge, while the humoral components intervene later. Moreover, although both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are completely removed from the insect body within a few hours after injection, Gram-positive bacteria persist in the hemolymph longer than do Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, the activity of two key actors of the humoral response, i.e., lysozyme and phenoloxidase, show unusual dynamics as compared to other insects. This study represents the first detailed characterization of the immune response to bacteria of H. illucens larvae, expanding knowledge on the defense mechanisms of this insect among Diptera. This information is a prerequisite to manipulating the larval immune response by nutritional and environmental factors to increase resistance to pathogens and optimize health status during mass rearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Bruno
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maristella Mastore
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maurizio Francesco Brivio
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Amr Mohamed
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Sciences, Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ling Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Sericulture and Mulberry Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Morena Casartelli
- Laboratory of Insect Physiology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Impacts of fungal entomopathogens on survival and immune responses of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens mosquitoes in the context of native Wolbachia infections. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009984. [PMID: 34843477 PMCID: PMC8670716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial control of mosquitoes via the use of symbiotic or pathogenic microbes, such as Wolbachia and entomopathogenic fungi, are promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides to tackle the rapid increase in insecticide resistance and vector-borne disease outbreaks. This study evaluated the susceptibility and host responses of two important mosquito vectors, Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens, that naturally carry Wolbachia, to infections by entomopathogenic fungi. Our study indicated that while Wolbachia presence did not provide a protective advantage against entomopathogenic fungal infection, it nevertheless influenced the bacterial / fungal load and the expression of select anti-microbial effectors and phenoloxidase cascade genes in mosquitoes. Furthermore, although host responses from Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens were mostly similar, we observed contrasting phenotypes with regards to susceptibility and immune responses to fungal entomopathogenic infection in these two mosquitoes. This study provides new insights into the intricate multipartite interaction between the mosquito host, its native symbiont and pathogenic microbes that might be employed to control mosquito populations. Control of mosquitoes via the use of microbes is a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides and a potential solution to tackle the rapid evolution of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. Recently, a parasitic microbe named Wolbachia has been found to render the mosquito resistant to virus infections and it is currently showing great promise in reducing dengue cases on tests conducted in the field. On the other side of the symbiotic spectrum, we have entomopathogenic fungi, who have evolved to naturally infect and kill insects, and offer a unique potential to control mosquito populations. In this study, we examined the effect that native Wolbachia can have on the mosquito susceptibility to fungal entomopathogens. Our findings show that while Wolbachia does not affect the action of entomopathogenic fungi on mosquitoes, it does influence the expression of important mosquito immune genes, suggesting that Wolbachia has a closer interaction with the mosquito response to microbial infections than previously reported. Furthermore, our study provides new records on the susceptibility of two important mosquito vectors in the USA (Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens), with Cx. pipiens showing significant resistance to the action of one fungal entomopathogen tested. This article informs on the mosquito susceptibility and interaction with other microbes that will aid in the selection of fungal entomopathogens to control mosquitoes, especially those that carry native microbes such as Wolbachia.
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Wang GJ, Wang WW, Liu Y, Chai LQ, Wang GX, Liu XS, Wang YF, Wang JL. Steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone promotes CTL1-mediated cellular immunity in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1399-1413. [PMID: 32677271 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mermithid nematodes, such as Ovomermis sinensis, are used as biological control agents against many insect pests, including cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). However, given the host's robust immune system, the infection rate of O. sinensis is low, thus restricting its widespread use. To understand the host defense mechanisms against mermithid nematodes, we identified and characterized a protein involved in the recognition of O. sinensis, the potential O. sinensis-binding protein C-type lectin 1 (HaCTL1a and/or HaCTL1b), which was eluted from the surface of O. sinensis after incubation with H. armigera plasma. HaCTL1b is homologous to the previously reported HaCTL1a protein. HaCTL1 was predominantly expressed in hemocytes and was induced by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone through ecdysone receptor (HaEcR) or ultraspiracle (HaUSP), or both. Binding assays confirmed the interactions of the HaCTL1 proteins with O. sinensis but not with Romanomermis wuchangensis, a parasitic nematode of mosquito. Moreover, the HaCTL1 proteins were secreted into the hemocoel and promoted hemocyte-mediated encapsulation and phagocytosis. A knockdown of HaEcR and/or HaUSP resulted in compromised encapsulation and phagocytosis. Thus, HaCTL1 appears to modulate cellular immunity in the defense against parasitic nematodes, and the 20-hydroxyecdysone-HaEcR-HaUSP complex is involved in regulating the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Jie Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Wen-Wen Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Lian-Qin Chai
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Guo-Xiu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Jia-Lin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
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10
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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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11
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Li HH, Cai Y, Li JC, Su MP, Liu WL, Cheng L, Chou SJ, Yu GY, Wang HD, Chen CH. C-Type Lectins Link Immunological and Reproductive Processes in Aedes aegypti. iScience 2020; 23:101486. [PMID: 32891883 PMCID: PMC7481239 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological trade-offs between mosquito immune response and reproductive capability can arise due to insufficient resource availability. C-type lectin family members may be involved in these processes. We established a GCTL-3-/- mutant Aedes aegypti using CRISPR/Cas9 to investigate the role of GCTL-3 in balancing the costs associated with immune responses to arboviral infection and reproduction. GCTL-3-/- mutants showed significantly reduced DENV-2 infection rate and gut commensal microbiota populations, as well as upregulated JAK/STAT, IMD, Toll, and AMPs immunological pathways. Mutants also had significantly shorter lifespans than controls and laid fewer eggs due to defective germ line development. dsRNA knock-down of Attacin and Gambicin, two targets of the AMPs pathway, partially rescued this reduction in reproductive capabilities. Upregulation of immune response following GCTL-3 knock-out therefore comes at a cost to reproductive fitness. Knock-out of other lectins may further improve our knowledge of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying reproduction-immunity trade-offs in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Han Li
- Institution of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan; National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Jian-Chiuan Li
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Matthew P Su
- Department of Biological Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Wei-Liang Liu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Lie Cheng
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Jen Chou
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Guann-Yi Yu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Dar Wang
- Institution of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan; National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan.
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12
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Stączek S, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Pleszczyńska M, Wiater A, Cytryńska M. Aspergillus niger α-1,3-glucan acts as a virulence factor by inhibiting the insect phenoloxidase system. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 171:107341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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13
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Zhu Y, Yu X, Cheng G. Insect C-Type Lectins in Microbial Infections. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1204:129-140. [PMID: 32152945 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-1580-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a family of carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD)-containing proteins that bind to ligands in a calcium-dependent manner. CTLs act as important components of insect innate immune responses, such as pattern recognition, agglutination, encapsulation, melanization, phagocytosis and prophenoloxidase activation, as well as gut microbiome homeostasis maintenance, to defend against pathogens. Besides, some insect CTLs can facilitate pathogen infection and colonization. In this review, we describe the properties of insect CTLs and focus on explaining their role in viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.,School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. .,Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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14
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Zhang HJ, Lin YP, Liu M, Liang XY, Ji YN, Tang BZ, Hou YM. Functional conservation and division of two single-carbohydrate-recognition domain C-type lectins from the nipa palm hispid beetle Octodonta nipae (Maulik). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 100:103416. [PMID: 31255631 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
As an invasive pest, the complete and effective innate immune system is crucial for the nipa palm hispid beetle Octodonta nipae (Maulik) to adjust to new environments. C-type lectins (CTLs) are large families of carbohydrate-binding proteins that possess one or more characteristic carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRD) and function as pattern-recognition receptors, which play important roles in mediating humoral and cellular immunity. In the present study, for the first time, we report two CTL-Ss (single-CRD CTLs) from O. nipae (Maulik) (designated OnCTL1 and OnCTL2). The two CTL-Ss share high identity at conserved amino acids associated with conserved carbohydrate binding sites Gln-Pro-Asp (QPD) motifs and clearly show a 1:1 orthologous relationship in insects, which endow them with functional conservation and diversification. mRNA abundance analysis showed that OnCTL1 was upregulated upon Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli challenge at 6 and 12 h, while OnCTL2 underwent no changes upon E. coli challenge and was even downregulated after S. aureus infection. Knockdown of OnCTL1 significantly decreased the transcripts of two key serine proteases (prophenoloxidase activating factors), OnPPAF1 and OnPPAF3, followed by the reduction of haemolymph phenoloxidase activity; it also increased the expression of Defensin2B. In contrast, silencing of OnCTL2 significantly decreased the expression of Defensin2B and Attacin3C, the encapsulation index, and the phagocytosis rate compared to the dsEGFP group. The spreading results showed that more irregularly shaped plasmatocytes and lower levels of aggregation were found in OnCTL2-silenced pupae than in the dsOnCTL1 and dsEGFP groups. We can infer from the results of this study that the two OnCTLs play important roles in the immune system and generate a functional division: OnCTL1 seems to function more in humoral immunity including mediating bacterial recognition and activating the phenoloxidase cascade, and OnCTL2 plays a greater role in enhancing cellular immunity. These observations could replenish information on the functional diversification of insect CTLs, and also provide valuable information to unravel the immunity in O. nipae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Ping Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xin-Yu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Nan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Bao-Zhen Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - You-Ming Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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15
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Meng Q, Zhang J, Zhang H, Zhou G, Ni R, Zhao Y, Qin Q, Zou Z. Comparative analysis of C-type lectin domain proteins in the ghost moth, Thitarodes xiaojinensis (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 26:453-465. [PMID: 29274206 PMCID: PMC7379682 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Insects have a large family of C-type lectins involved in cell adhesion, pathogen recognition and activation of immune responses. In this study, 32 transcripts encoding C-type lectin domain proteins (CTLDPs) were identified from the Thitarodes xiaojinensis transcriptome. According to their domain structures, six CTLDPs with one carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) were classified into the CTL-S subfamily. The other 23 CTLDPs with two CRDs were grouped into the immulectin (IML) subfamily. The remaining three with extra regulatory domains were sorted into the CTL-X subfamily. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CTL-S and CTL-X members from different insects could form orthologous groups. In contrast, no T. xiaojinensis IML orthologues were found in other insects. Remarkable lineage-specific expansion in this subfamily was observed reflecting that these CTLDPs, as important receptors, have evolved diversified members in response to a variety of microbes. Prediction of binding ligands revealed that T. xiaojinensis, a cold-adapted species, conserved the ability of CRDs to combine with Ca2+ to keep its receptors from freezing. Comparative analysis of induction of CTLDP genes after different immune challenges indicated that IMLs might play critical roles in immune defenses. This study examined T. xiaojinensis CTLDPs and provides a basis for further studies of their characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ji‐Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Huan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Gui‐Ling Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ruo‐Yao Ni
- College of Life SciencesHebei UniversityBaodingHebeiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yan‐Ni Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Qi‐Lian Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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16
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The C-Type Lectin Domain Gene Family in Aedes aegypti and Their Role in Arbovirus Infection. Viruses 2018; 10:v10070367. [PMID: 30002303 PMCID: PMC6070988 DOI: 10.3390/v10070367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several medically important flaviviruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes have been shown to bind to the C-type lectin fold that is present in either vertebrate or invertebrate proteins. While in some cases this interaction is part of a neutralizing anti-viral immune response, many reports have implicated this as critical for successful virus entry. Despite the establishment of mosquito C-type lectin domain containing proteins (CTLDcps) as known host factors in assisting the infectious process for flaviviruses, little is known about the structural characteristics of these proteins and their relationships to each other. In this report, we describe the manual annotation and structural characterization of 52 Aedes aegypti CTLDcps. Using existing RNAseq data, we establish that these genes can be subdivided into two classes: those highly conserved with expression primarily in development (embryo/early larvae) and those with no clear orthologs with expression primarily in late larvae/pupae or adults. The latter group contained all CTLDcps that are regulated by the Toll/Imd immune pathways, all known microbiome-regulating CTLDcps, and almost all CTLDcps that are implicated as flavivirus host factors in A. aegypti. Finally, we attempt to synthesize results from multiple conflicting gene expression profiling experiments in terms of how flavivirus infection changes steady-state levels of mRNA encoding CTLDcps.
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17
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Ramirez JL, Muturi EJ, Dunlap C, Rooney AP. Strain-specific pathogenicity and subversion of phenoloxidase activity in the mosquito Aedes aegypti by members of the fungal entomopathogenic genus Isaria. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9896. [PMID: 29967469 PMCID: PMC6028645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of alternative vector control strategies are becoming more pressing given the rapid evolution of insecticide resistance and the rise of vector borne pathogens affecting public health such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Fungal-based biopesticides are promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides because they are ecofriendly and are highly effective at infecting insects through contact. This study evaluated the susceptibility of the yellow fever mosquito Ae. aegypti to a range of entomopathogenic fungal strains from the genus Isaria. We observed a diverse variation in the virulence of the Isaria strains tested, with two strains showing high pathogenicity towards adult mosquitoes. Mosquito susceptibility to fungal infection was further corroborated through the molecular quantification of fungal loads and the transcript evaluation of a fungal-specific pathogen recognition molecule in the mosquito body. Moreover, quantitative analysis of transcript abundance coupled with enzymatic assays revealed strain-specific subversion of the melanization cascade, an important immune response component. Our study contributes critical insights for a better understanding of fungal-mosquito interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Ramirez
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, USA.
| | - Ephantus J Muturi
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher Dunlap
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Alejandro P Rooney
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, USA
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18
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Cheng Y, Lin Z, Wang JM, Xing LS, Xiong GH, Zou Z. CTL14, a recognition receptor induced in late stage larvae, modulates anti-fungal immunity in cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 84:142-152. [PMID: 29453998 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
C-type lectin (CTL) is usually considered as pattern recognition receptors in insect innate immunity. Here we found that CTL14 of Helicoverpa armigera was only activated in the fifth instar larvae not in the second instar by entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana infection. Recombinant CTL14 protein was found to form aggregates with zymosan and B. bassiana in vitro. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that CTL14 interacted with serine proteinases (SP), serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin), prophenoloxidases (PPO) and vitellogenin (Vg) in the larval hemolymph. Furthermore, depletion of CTL14 using dsRNA led to dramatic decrease in the expression level of PPO1. Additionally, CTL14 depleted H. armigera decreased the resistance to fungal challenge. Taken together, our study showed the direct involvement of CTL14 in the anti-fungal immunity of H. armigera, which further explained the stronger immune responses in the fifth instar compared to the second instar larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; 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
| | - Ju-Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Long-Sheng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Guang-Hua Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, 343009, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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19
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Xia X, You M, Rao XJ, Yu XQ. Insect C-type lectins in innate immunity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:70-79. [PMID: 29198776 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a family of proteins that contain characteristic modules of carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) and they possess the binding activity to ligands in a calcium-dependent manner. CTLs play important roles in animal immune responses, and in insects, they are involved in opsonization, nodule formation, agglutination, encapsulation, melanization, and prophenoloxidase activation, as well as in maintaining gut microbiome homeostasis. In this review, we will summarize insect CTLs, compare the properties of insect CTLs with vertebrate CTLs, and focus mainly on the domain organization and functions of insect CTLs in innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Green Control of Insect Pests (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110-2499, USA.
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20
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Ramirez JL, Dunlap CA, Muturi EJ, Barletta ABF, Rooney AP. Entomopathogenic fungal infection leads to temporospatial modulation of the mosquito immune system. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006433. [PMID: 29684026 PMCID: PMC5933799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative methods of mosquito control are needed to tackle the rising burden of mosquito-borne diseases while minimizing the use of synthetic insecticides, which are threatened by the rapid increase in insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. Fungal biopesticides show great promise as potential alternatives because of their ecofriendly nature and ability to infect mosquitoes on contact. Here we describe the temporospatial interactions between the mosquito Aedes aegypti and several entomopathogenic fungi. Fungal infection assays followed by the molecular assessment of infection-responsive genes revealed an intricate interaction between the mosquito immune system and entomopathogenic fungi. We observed contrasting tissue and time-specific differences in the activation of immune signaling pathways and antimicrobial peptide expression. In addition, these antifungal responses appear to vary according to the fungal entomopathogen used in the infection. Enzyme activity-based assays coupled with gene expression analysis of prophenoloxidase genes revealed a reduction in phenoloxidase (PO) activity in mosquitoes infected with the most virulent fungal strains at 3 and 6d post-fungal infection. Moreover, fungal infection led to an increase in midgut microbiota that appear to be attributed in part to reduced midgut reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity. This indicates that the fungal infection has far reaching effects on other microbes naturally associated with mosquitoes. This study also revealed that despite fungal recognition and immune elicitation by the mosquito, it is unable to successfully eliminate the entomopathogenic fungal infection. Our study provides new insights into this intricate multipartite interaction and contributes to a better understanding of mosquito antifungal immunity. Fungal biopesticides constitute potential alternative methods of vector control to tackle the rising burden of mosquito-borne diseases and the development of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. Insect-fungi interactions represent an intricate co-evolutionary arms race between the invading pathogen and its arthropod host. New knowledge gathered through such studies can lead to the design of more effective microbial control strategies. Here we explored the temporospatial interaction of the mosquito Aedes aegypti with three different entomopathogenic fungi. Infection assays followed by gene expression studies revealed tissue-specific immune responses that appear to be temporal and fungal strain-specific. Our data shows that fungal infection causes significant reduction in phenoloxidase activity at the later stages of infection. The multifaceted response mounted by the mosquito against the fungal challenge appears to result in the dysregulation of midgut homeostasis, noted by an increase in midgut microbiota, especially in mosquitoes infected with the most virulent strains. Our study demonstrates an intricate mosquito-fungi interaction that, despite fungal recognition and immune response by the mosquito, results in death of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L. Ramirez
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Christopher A. Dunlap
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ephantus J. Muturi
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ana B. F. Barletta
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alejandro P. Rooney
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
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21
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Wang Y, Jiang H, Cheng Y, An C, Chu Y, Raikhel AS, Zou Z. Activation of Aedes aegypti prophenoloxidase-3 and its role in the immune response against entomopathogenic fungi. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:552-563. [PMID: 28556276 PMCID: PMC5582978 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease cascade-mediated melanization is an important innate immune response in insects and crustaceans, which involves the proteolytic activation of prophenoloxidase (PPO). In this study, we investigated the role of Aedes aegypti PPO3 in antifungal immune defence. We expressed and purified recombinant PPO3 (rPPO3) in Escherichia coli and demonstrated that rPPO3 was activated by ethanol and, to a lesser extent, by cetylpyridinium chloride. In the presence of Cu2+ , rPPO3 exhibited enzyme activity. Immunoblot results revealed that the rPPO3 was cleaved by the haemolymph from immune-challenged mosquitoes or purified Ostrinia furnacalis serine protease 105 in vitro. The cleaved rPPO3 converted dopamine to toxic intermediates that killed fungal conidia of Beauveria bassiana in vitro. In mosquitoes challenged with Be. bassiana, cleavage of rPPO3 produced a 50 kDa phenoloxidase (PO) fragment. Further analysis revealed that the survival rate of mosquitoes with fungal infection increased significantly following injection of rPPO3 into the haemocoel. Taken together, our results suggest that proteolytic cleavage of the mosquito PPO3 plays an important role in the antifungal immune response. This has led to a better understanding of the mechanism of PPO activation in the mosquito and the role of melanization in the antifungal immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - H. Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Y. Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - C. An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Y. Chu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - A. S. Raikhel
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Z. Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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22
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Xing L, Yuan C, Wang M, Lin Z, Shen B, Hu Z, Zou Z. Dynamics of the Interaction between Cotton Bollworm Helicoverpa armigera and Nucleopolyhedrovirus as Revealed by Integrated Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses. Mol Cell Proteomics 2017; 16:1009-1028. [PMID: 28404795 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m116.062547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) has been widely used for biocontrol of cotton bollworm, which is one of the most destructive pest insects in agriculture worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the interaction between HearNPV and host insects remains poorly understood. In this study, high-throughput RNA-sequencing was integrated with label-free quantitative proteomics analysis to examine the dynamics of gene expression in the fat body of H. armigera larvae in response to challenge with HearNPV. RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic analysis indicated that host gene expression was substantially altered, yielding 3,850 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), whereas no global transcriptional shut-off effects were observed in the fat body. Among the DEGs, 60 immunity-related genes were down-regulated after baculovirus infection, a finding that was consistent with the results of quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Gene ontology and functional classification demonstrated that the majority of down-regulated genes were enriched in gene cohorts involved in energy, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolic pathways. Proteomics analysis identified differentially expressed proteins in the fat body, among which 76 were up-regulated, whereas 373 were significantly down-regulated upon infection. The down-regulated proteins are involved in metabolic pathways such as energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism (CM), and amino acid metabolism, in agreement with the RNA-sequence data. Furthermore, correlation analysis suggested a strong association between the mRNA level and protein abundance in the H. armigera fat body. More importantly, the predicted gene interaction network indicated that a large subset of metabolic networks was significantly negatively regulated by viral infection, including CM-related enzymes such as aldolase, enolase, malate dehydrogenase, and triose-phosphate isomerase. Taken together, transcriptomic data combined with proteomic data elucidated that baculovirus established systemic infection of host larvae and manipulated the host mainly by suppressing the host immune response and down-regulating metabolism to allow viral self-replication and proliferation. Therefore, this study provided important insights into the mechanism of host-baculovirus interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longsheng Xing
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101.,§University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049
| | - Chuanfei Yuan
- §University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049.,¶State Key Laboratory of Virology and Joint Laboratory of Invertebrate Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071; and
| | - Manli Wang
- ¶State Key Laboratory of Virology and Joint Laboratory of Invertebrate Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071; and
| | - Zhe Lin
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101
| | - Benchang Shen
- ‖Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- ¶State Key Laboratory of Virology and Joint Laboratory of Invertebrate Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071; and
| | - Zhen Zou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101; .,§University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049
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23
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Balakrishna Pillai A, Nagarajan U, Mitra A, Krishnan U, Rajendran S, Hoti SL, Mishra RK. RNA interference in mosquito: understanding immune responses, double-stranded RNA delivery systems and potential applications in vector control. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:127-139. [PMID: 27991710 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) refers to the process of post-transcriptional silencing of cellular mRNA by the application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). RNAi strategies have been widely employed to regulate gene expression in plants and animals including insects. With the availability of the full genome sequences of major vector mosquitoes, RNAi has been increasingly used to conduct genetic studies of human pathogens in mosquito vectors and to study the evolution of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. This review summarizes the recent progress in our understanding of mosquito-pathogen interactions using RNAi and various methods of dsRNA delivery in mosquitoes at different stages. We also discuss potential applications of this technology to develop novel tools for vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Balakrishna Pillai
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, India
| | | | - A Mitra
- Department of Microbiology, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
| | | | - S Rajendran
- Jawaharlal Institute for Post Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - S L Hoti
- Regional Medical Research Centre, ICMR, Belgaum, India
| | - R K Mishra
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
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24
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Tsujimoto H, Hanley KA, Sundararajan A, Devitt NP, Schilkey FD, Hansen IA. Dengue virus serotype 2 infection alters midgut and carcass gene expression in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171345. [PMID: 28152011 PMCID: PMC5289563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus is currently an important vector for dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus, and its role in transmission of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) may increase in the future due to its ability to colonize temperate regions. In contrast to Aedes aegypti, the dominant vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus, genetic responses of Ae. albopictus upon infection with an arbovirus are not well characterized. Here we present a study of the changes in transcript expression in Ae. albopictus exposed to dengue virus serotype 2 via feeding on an artificial bloodmeal. Methodology/Principal findings We isolated midguts and midgut-free carcasses of Ae. albopictus fed on bloodmeals containing dengue virus as well as controls fed on virus-free control meals at day 1 and day 5 post-feeding. We confirmed infection of midguts from mosquitoes sampled on day 5 post-feeding via RT-PCR. RNAseq analysis revealed dynamic modulation of the expression of several putative immunity and dengue virus-responsive genes, some of whose expression was verified by qRT-PCR. For example, a serine protease gene was up-regulated in the midgut at 1 day post infection, which may potentially enhance mosquito susceptibility to dengue infection, while 14 leucine-rich repeat genes, previously shown to be involved in mosquito antiviral defenses, were down-regulated in the carcass at 5 days post infection. The number of significantly modulated genes decreased over time in midguts and increased in carcasses. Conclusion/Significance Dengue virus exposure results in the modulation of genes in a time- and site-specific manner. Previous literature on the interaction between mosquitoes and mosquito-borne pathogens suggests that most of the changes that occurred in Ae. albopictus exposed to DENV would favor virus infection. Many genes identified in this study warrant further characterization to understand their role in viral manipulation of and antiviral response of Ae. albopictus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Tsujimoto
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kathryn A. Hanley
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Anitha Sundararajan
- NM-INBRE Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core, National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Nicholas P. Devitt
- NM-INBRE Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core, National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Faye D. Schilkey
- NM-INBRE Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core, National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Immo A. Hansen
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
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25
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Rao XJ, Cao X, He Y, Hu Y, Zhang X, Chen YR, Blissard G, Kanost MR, Yu XQ, Jiang H. Structural features, evolutionary relationships, and transcriptional regulation of C-type lectin-domain proteins in Manduca sexta. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 62:75-85. [PMID: 25554596 PMCID: PMC4476918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a large family of Ca(2+)-dependent carbohydrate-binding proteins recognizing various glycoconjugates and functioning primarily in immunity and cell adhesion. We have identified 34 CTLDP (for CTL-domain protein) genes in the Manduca sexta genome, which encode proteins with one to three CTL domains. CTL-S1 through S9 (S for simple) have one or three CTL domains; immulectin-1 through 19 have two CTL domains; CTL-X1 through X6 (X for complex) have one or two CTL domains along with other structural modules. Nine simple CTLs and seventeen immulectins have a signal peptide and are likely extracellular. Five complex CTLs have both an N-terminal signal peptide and a C-terminal transmembrane region, indicating that they are membrane anchored. Immulectins exist broadly in Lepidoptera and lineage-specific gene duplications have generated three clusters of fourteen genes in the M. sexta genome, thirteen of which have similar expression patterns. In contrast to the family expansion, CTL-S1∼S6, S8, and X1∼X6 have 1:1 orthologs in at least four lepidopteran/dipteran/coleopteran species, suggestive of conserved functions in a wide range of holometabolous insects. Structural modeling suggests the key residues for Ca(2+)-dependent or independent binding of certain carbohydrates by CTL domains. Promoter analysis identified putative κB motifs in eighteen of the CTL genes, which did not have a strong correlation with immune inducibility in the mRNA or protein levels. Together, the gene identification, sequence comparisons, structure modeling, phylogenetic analysis, and expression profiling establish a solid foundation for future studies of M. sexta CTL-domain proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Jun Rao
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Cao
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yan He
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yingxia Hu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Xiufeng Zhang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yun-Ru Chen
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Gary Blissard
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Michael R Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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26
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Wang YH, Hu Y, Xing LS, Jiang H, Hu SN, Raikhel AS, Zou Z. A Critical Role for CLSP2 in the Modulation of Antifungal Immune Response in Mosquitoes. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004931. [PMID: 26057557 PMCID: PMC4461313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi represent a promising class of bio-insecticides for mosquito control. Thus, detailed knowledge of the molecular mechanisms governing anti-fungal immune response in mosquitoes is essential. In this study, we show that CLSP2 is a modulator of immune responses during anti-fungal infection in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. With a fungal infection, the expression of the CLSP2 gene is elevated. CLSP2 is cleaved upon challenge with Beauveria bassiana conidia, and the liberated CLSP2 CTL-type domain binds to fungal cell components and B. bassiana conidia. Furthermore, CLPS2 RNA interference silencing significantly increases the resistance to the fungal challenge. RNA-sequencing transcriptome analysis showed that the majority of immune genes were highly upregulated in the CLSP2-depleted mosquitoes infected with the fungus. The up-regulated immune gene cohorts belong to melanization and Toll pathways, but not to the IMD or JAK-STAT. A thioester-containing protein (TEP22), a member of α2-macroglobulin family, has been implicated in the CLSP2-modulated mosquito antifungal defense. Our study has contributed to a greater understanding of immune-modulating mechanisms in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Long-Sheng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Song-Nian Hu
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Alexander S. Raikhel
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ASR); (ZZ)
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (ASR); (ZZ)
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27
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Lu A, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Yang B, Wu K, Xie W, Luan YX, Ling E. Insect prophenoloxidase: the view beyond immunity. Front Physiol 2014; 5:252. [PMID: 25071597 PMCID: PMC4092376 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect prophenoloxidase (PPO) is an important innate immunity protein due to its involvement in cellular and humoral defense. It belongs to a group of type-3 copper-containing proteins that occurs in almost all organisms. Insect PPO has been studied for over a century, and the PPO activation cascade is becoming clearer. The insect PPO activation pathway incorporates several important proteins, including pattern-recognition receptors (PGRP, β GRP, and C-type lectins), serine proteases, and serine protease inhibitors (serpins). Due to their complexity, PPO activation mechanisms vary among insect species. Activated phenoloxidase (PO) oxidizes phenolic molecules to produce melanin around invading pathogens and wounds. The crystal structure of Manduca sexta PPO shows that a conserved amino acid, phenylalanine (F), can block the active site pocket. During activation, this blocker must be dislodged or even cleaved at the N-terminal sequence to expose the active site pockets and allow substrates to enter. Thanks to the crystal structure of M. sexta PPO, some domains and specific amino acids that affect PPO activities have been identified. Further studies of the relationship between PPO structure and enzyme activities will provide an opportunity to examine other type-3 copper proteins, and trace when and why their various physiological functions evolved. Recent researches show that insect PPO has a relationship with neuron activity, longevity, feces melanization (phytophagous insects) and development, which suggests that it is time for us to look back on insect PPO beyond the view of immunity in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anrui Lu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Xia Luan
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China
| | - Erjun Ling
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China
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28
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Mosquito saliva serine protease enhances dissemination of dengue virus into the mammalian host. J Virol 2013; 88:164-75. [PMID: 24131723 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02235-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV), a flavivirus of global importance, is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. In this study, we developed in vitro and in vivo models of saliva-mediated enhancement of DENV infectivity. Serine protease activity in Aedes aegypti saliva augmented virus infectivity in vitro by proteolyzing extracellular matrix proteins, thereby increasing viral attachment to heparan sulfate proteoglycans and inducing cell migration. A serine protease inhibitor reduced saliva-mediated enhancement of DENV in vitro and in vivo, marked by a 100-fold reduction in DENV load in murine lymph nodes. A saliva-mediated infectivity enhancement screen of fractionated salivary gland extracts identified serine protease CLIPA3 as a putative cofactor, and short interfering RNA knockdown of CLIPA3 in mosquitoes demonstrated its role in influencing DENV infectivity. Molecules in mosquito saliva that facilitate viral infectivity in the vertebrate host provide novel targets that may aid in the prevention of disease.
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29
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Sreenivasamurthy SK, Dey G, Ramu M, Kumar M, Gupta MK, Mohanty AK, Harsha HC, Sharma P, Kumar N, Pandey A, Kumar A, Prasad TSK. A compendium of molecules involved in vector-pathogen interactions pertaining to malaria. Malar J 2013; 12:216. [PMID: 23802619 PMCID: PMC3734095 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a vector-borne disease causing extensive morbidity, debility and mortality. Development of resistance to drugs among parasites and to conventional insecticides among vector-mosquitoes necessitates innovative measures to combat this disease. Identification of molecules involved in the maintenance of complex developmental cycles of the parasites within the vector and the host can provide attractive targets to intervene in the disease transmission. In the last decade, several efforts have been made in identifying such molecules involved in mosquito-parasite interactions and, subsequently, validating their role in the development of parasites within the vector. In this study, a list of mosquito proteins, which facilitate or inhibit the development of malaria parasites in the midgut, haemolymph and salivary glands of mosquitoes, is compiled. A total of 94 molecules have been reported and validated for their role in the development of malaria parasites inside the vector. This compendium of molecules will serve as a centralized resource to biomedical researchers investigating vector-pathogen interactions and malaria transmission.
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30
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Rodriguez-Andres J, Rani S, Varjak M, Chase-Topping ME, Beck MH, Ferguson MC, Schnettler E, Fragkoudis R, Barry G, Merits A, Fazakerley JK, Strand MR, Kohl A. Phenoloxidase activity acts as a mosquito innate immune response against infection with Semliki Forest virus. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002977. [PMID: 23144608 PMCID: PMC3493465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Several components of the mosquito immune system including the RNA interference (RNAi), JAK/STAT, Toll and IMD pathways have previously been implicated in controlling arbovirus infections. In contrast, the role of the phenoloxidase (PO) cascade in mosquito antiviral immunity is unknown. Here we show that conditioned medium from the Aedes albopictus-derived U4.4 cell line contains a functional PO cascade, which is activated by the bacterium Escherichia coli and the arbovirus Semliki Forest virus (SFV) (Togaviridae; Alphavirus). Production of recombinant SFV expressing the PO cascade inhibitor Egf1.0 blocked PO activity in U4.4 cell- conditioned medium, which resulted in enhanced spread of SFV. Infection of adult female Aedes aegypti by feeding mosquitoes a bloodmeal containing Egf1.0-expressing SFV increased virus replication and mosquito mortality. Collectively, these results suggest the PO cascade of mosquitoes plays an important role in immune defence against arboviruses. Arboviruses are transmitted to vertebrates by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes. Infection of mosquitoes with arboviruses activates immune defence responses including the RNA interference pathway. Another component of the insect immune system is the phenoloxidase (PO) cascade, which produces melanin that accumulates at wound sites and around invading microorganisms. Some pathogen-associated pattern recognition molecules are known to activate the PO cascade, which results in the proteolytic processing of inactive prophenoloxidase (PPO) to PO. PO then catalyses the formation of compounds that ultimately form melanin. Some of these products are also known to have anti-microbial properties but whether activation of the PO cascade provides any defence against arboviruses is unclear. Using the arbovirus, Semliki Forest virus, we show that this virus activates the PO cascade. By using recombinant Semliki Forest virus expressing an inhibitor of the PO cascade, we also demonstrate that this pathway inhibits virus spread in cell culture. Moreover, inhibition of this pathway leads to higher virus genome levels and higher mortality of infected mosquitoes. In conclusion, Semliki Forest virus activates the PO cascade which exhibits antiviral activity and can be added to the list of mosquito anti-viral defence mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Rodriguez-Andres
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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31
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Barnard AC, Nijhof AM, Fick W, Stutzer C, Maritz-Olivier C. RNAi in Arthropods: Insight into the Machinery and Applications for Understanding the Pathogen-Vector Interface. Genes (Basel) 2012; 3:702-41. [PMID: 24705082 PMCID: PMC3899984 DOI: 10.3390/genes3040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of genome sequencing data in combination with knowledge of expressed genes via transcriptome and proteome data has greatly advanced our understanding of arthropod vectors of disease. Not only have we gained insight into vector biology, but also into their respective vector-pathogen interactions. By combining the strengths of postgenomic databases and reverse genetic approaches such as RNAi, the numbers of available drug and vaccine targets, as well as number of transgenes for subsequent transgenic or paratransgenic approaches, have expanded. These are now paving the way for in-field control strategies of vectors and their pathogens. Basic scientific questions, such as understanding the basic components of the vector RNAi machinery, is vital, as this allows for the transfer of basic RNAi machinery components into RNAi-deficient vectors, thereby expanding the genetic toolbox of these RNAi-deficient vectors and pathogens. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of arthropod vector RNAi machinery and the impact of RNAi on understanding vector biology and vector-pathogen interactions for which vector genomic data is available on VectorBase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institut für Parasitologie und Tropenveterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Wilma Fick
- Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
| | - Christian Stutzer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
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