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Zhang BX, Liu FF, Liu F, Qi WX, Si YQ, Ren HY, Rao XJ. SfMBP: A novel microbial binding protein and pattern recognition receptor in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 154:105142. [PMID: 38309673 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105142] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, poses a significant threat as a highly destructive agricultural pest in many countries. Understanding the complex interplay between the insect immune system and entomopathogens is critical for optimizing biopesticide efficacy. In this study, we identified a novel microbial binding protein, SfMBP, in S. frugiperda. However, the specific role of SfMBP in the immune response of S. frugiperda remains elusive. Encoded by the LOC118269163 gene, SfMBP shows significant induction in S. frugiperda larvae infected with the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. Consisting of 115 amino acids with a signal peptide, an N-terminal flexible region and a C-terminal β-sheet, SfMBP lacks any known functional domains. It is expressed predominantly during early larval stages and in the larval epidermis. Notably, SfMBP is significantly induced in larvae infected with bacteria and fungi and in SF9 cells stimulated by peptidoglycan. While recombinant SfMBP (rSfMBP) does not inhibit bacterial growth, it demonstrates binding capabilities to bacteria, fungal spores, peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharides, and polysaccharides. This binding is inhibited by monosaccharides and EDTA. Molecular docking reveals potential Zn2+-interacting residues and three cavities. Furthermore, rSfMBP induces bacterial agglutination in the presence of Zn2+. It also binds to insect hemocytes and SF9 cells, enhancing phagocytosis and agglutination responses. Injection of rSfMBP increased the survival of S. frugiperda larvae infected with B. bassiana, whereas blocking SfMBP with the antibody decreased survival. These results suggest that SfMBP acts as a pattern recognition receptor that enhances pathogen recognition and cellular immune responses. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights for the development of pest control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang-Xian Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China; School of Biological Science and Food Engineering, Chuzhou, 239000, China
| | - Fang-Fang Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Yan-Qin Si
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Hai-Yan Ren
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China.
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Hong S, Shang J, Sun Y, Tang G, Wang C. Fungal infection of insects: molecular insights and prospects. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:302-316. [PMID: 37778923 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) distribute in different fungal phyla with variable host ranges and play essential role in regulating insect populations by infecting hosts via cuticle penetration. The representative ascomycete EPF of Metarhizium and Beauveria species have been widely used in mechanistic investigations of fungus-insect interactions and as ecofriendly mycoinsecticides. Here, we review the function of diverse genes, pathways, and secondary metabolites associated with EPF stepwise infections. In particular, emerging evidence has shown that EPF have to outcompete insect ectomicrobiotas prior to penetrating cuticles, and subvert or evade host antifungal immunity by using effector-like proteins and chemicals like plant pathogens. Future prospects are discussed for a better understanding of fungal pathobiology, which will provide novel insights into microbe-animal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Hong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junmei Shang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaneli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guirong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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