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Rhodes VL, Waterhouse RM, Michel K. The Molecular Toll Pathway Repertoire in Anopheline Mosquitoes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.12.612760. [PMID: 39345384 PMCID: PMC11429875 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.12.612760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Innate immunity in mosquitoes has received much attention due to its potential impact on vector competence for vector-borne disease pathogens, including malaria parasites. The nuclear factor (NF)-κB-dependent Toll pathway is a major regulator of innate immunity in insects. In mosquitoes, this pathway controls transcription of the majority of the known canonical humoral immune effectors, mediates anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral immune responses, and contributes to malaria parasite killing. However, besides initial gene annotation of putative Toll pathway members and genetic analysis of the contribution of few key components to immunity, the molecular make-up and function of the Toll pathway in mosquitoes is largely unexplored. To facilitate functional analyses of the Toll pathway in mosquitoes, we report here manually annotated and refined gene models of Toll-like receptors and all putative components of the intracellular signal transduction cascade across 19 anopheline genomes, and in two culicine genomes. In addition, based on phylogenetic analyses, we identified differing levels of evolutionary constraint across the intracellular Toll pathway members, and identified a recent radiation of TOLL1/5 within the An. gambiae complex. Together, this study provides insight into the evolution of TLRs and the putative members of the intracellular signal transduction cascade within the genus Anopheles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L. Rhodes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Biology Department, Missouri Southern University, Joplin, MO 64801, USA
| | | | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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2
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Rawle DJ, Hugo LE, Cox AL, Devine GJ, Suhrbier A. Generating prophylactic immunity against arboviruses in vertebrates and invertebrates. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:621-636. [PMID: 38570719 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The World Health Organization recently declared a global initiative to control arboviral diseases. These are mainly caused by pathogenic flaviviruses (such as dengue, yellow fever and Zika viruses) and alphaviruses (such as chikungunya and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses). Vaccines represent key interventions for these viruses, with licensed human and/or veterinary vaccines being available for several members of both genera. However, a hurdle for the licensing of new vaccines is the epidemic nature of many arboviruses, which presents logistical challenges for phase III efficacy trials. Furthermore, our ability to predict or measure the post-vaccination immune responses that are sufficient for subclinical outcomes post-infection is limited. Given that arboviruses are also subject to control by the immune system of their insect vectors, several approaches are now emerging that aim to augment antiviral immunity in mosquitoes, including Wolbachia infection, transgenic mosquitoes, insect-specific viruses and paratransgenesis. In this Review, we discuss recent advances, current challenges and future prospects in exploiting both vertebrate and invertebrate immune systems for the control of flaviviral and alphaviral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Rawle
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leon E Hugo
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Abigail L Cox
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gregor J Devine
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- GVN Centre of Excellence, Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- GVN Centre of Excellence, Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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3
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Nascimento da Silva J, Conceição CC, Ramos de Brito GC, Renato de Oliveira Daumas Filho C, Walter Nuno AB, Talyuli OAC, Arcanjo A, de Oliveira PL, Moreira LA, Vaz IDS, Logullo C. Immunometabolic crosstalk in Aedes fluviatilis and Wolbachia pipientis symbiosis. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107272. [PMID: 38588812 PMCID: PMC11154636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia pipientis is a maternally transmitted symbiotic bacterium that mainly colonizes arthropods, potentially affecting different aspects of the host's physiology, e.g., reproduction, immunity, and metabolism. It has been shown that Wolbachia modulates glycogen metabolism in mosquito Aedes fluviatilis (Ae. fluviatilis). Glycogen synthesis is controlled by the enzyme GSK3, which is also involved in immune responses in both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. Here we investigated the mechanisms behind immune changes mediated by glycogen synthase kinase β (GSK3β) in the symbiosis between Ae. fluviatilis and W. pipientis using a GSK3β inhibitor or RNAi-mediated gene silencing. GSK3β inhibition or knockdown increased glycogen content and Wolbachia population, together with a reduction in Relish2 and gambicin transcripts. Furthermore, knockdown of Relish2 or Caspar revealed that the immunodeficiency pathway acts to control Wolbachia numbers in the host. In conclusion, we describe for the first time the involvement of GSK3β in Ae. fluviatilis immune response, acting to control the Wolbachia endosymbiotic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhenifer Nascimento da Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Christiano Calixto Conceição
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gisely Cristina Ramos de Brito
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Renato de Oliveira Daumas Filho
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Walter Nuno
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Octavio A C Talyuli
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Angélica Arcanjo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro L de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciano Andrade Moreira
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno Vetor, Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Centro de Biotecnologia and Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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4
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Li M, Zhou Y, Cheng J, Wang Y, Lan C, Shen Y. Response of the mosquito immune system and symbiotic bacteria to pathogen infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:69. [PMID: 38368353 PMCID: PMC10874582 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the word, transmitting a variety of insect-borne infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika, causing more deaths than any other vector-borne pathogen. Moreover, in the absence of effective drugs and vaccines to prevent and treat insect-borne diseases, mosquito control is particularly important as the primary measure. In recent decades, due to the gradual increase in mosquito resistance, increasing attention has fallen on the mechanisms and effects associated with pathogen infection. This review provides an overview of mosquito innate immune mechanisms in terms of physical and physiological barriers, pattern recognition receptors, signalling pathways, and cellular and humoral immunity, as well as the antipathogenic effects of mosquito symbiotic bacteria. This review contributes to an in-depth understanding of the interaction process between mosquitoes and pathogens and provides a theoretical basis for biological defence strategies against mosquito-borne infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjin Li
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Cejie Lan
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China.
| | - Yuan Shen
- The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214023, China.
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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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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Chen TY, Bozic J, Mathias D, Smartt CT. Immune-related transcripts, microbiota and vector competence differ in dengue-2 virus-infected geographically distinct Aedes aegypti populations. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:166. [PMID: 37208697 PMCID: PMC10199558 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05784-3] [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] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector competence in Aedes aegypti is influenced by various factors. Crucial new control methods can be developed by recognizing which factors affect virus and mosquito interactions. METHODS In the present study we used three geographically distinct Ae. aegypti populations and compared their susceptibility to infection by dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2). To identify any differences among the three mosquito populations, we evaluated expression levels of immune-related genes and assessed the presence of microbiota that might contribute to the uniqueness in their vector competence. RESULTS Based on the results from the DENV-2 competence study, we categorized the three geographically distinct Ae. aegypti populations into a refractory population (Vilas do Atlântico), a susceptible population (Vero) and a susceptible but low transmission population (California). The immune-related transcripts were highly expressed in the California population but not in the refractory population. However, the Rel-1 gene was upregulated in the Vilas do Atlântico population following ingestion of a non-infectious blood meal, suggesting the gene's involvement in non-viral responses, such as response to microbiota. Screening of the bacteria, fungi and flaviviruses revealed differences between populations, and any of these could be one of the factors that interfere with the vector competence. CONCLUSIONS The results reveal potential factors that might impact the virus and mosquito interaction, as well as influence the Ae. aegypti refractory phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tse-Yu Chen
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Jovana Bozic
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL USA
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA USA
| | - Derrick Mathias
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL USA
| | - Chelsea T. Smartt
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL USA
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7
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Bui M, Dalla Benetta E, Dong Y, Zhao Y, Yang T, Li M, Antoshechkin IA, Buchman A, Bottino-Rojas V, James AA, Perry MW, Dimopoulos G, Akbari OS. CRISPR mediated transactivation in the human disease vector Aedes aegypti. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1010842. [PMID: 36656895 PMCID: PMC9888728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
As a major insect vector of multiple arboviruses, Aedes aegypti poses a significant global health and economic burden. A number of genetic engineering tools have been exploited to understand its biology with the goal of reducing its impact. For example, current tools have focused on knocking-down RNA transcripts, inducing loss-of-function mutations, or expressing exogenous DNA. However, methods for transactivating endogenous genes have not been developed. To fill this void, here we developed a CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) system in Ae. aegypti to transactivate target gene expression. Gene expression is activated through pairing a catalytically-inactive ('dead') Cas9 (dCas9) with a highly-active tripartite activator, VP64-p65-Rta (VPR) and synthetic guide RNA (sgRNA) complementary to a user defined target-gene promoter region. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate that engineered Ae. aegypti mosquitoes harboring a binary CRISPRa system can be used to effectively overexpress two developmental genes, even-skipped (eve) and hedgehog (hh), resulting in observable morphological phenotypes. We also used this system to overexpress the positive transcriptional regulator of the Toll immune pathway known as AaRel1, which resulted in a significant suppression of dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV2) titers in the mosquito. This system provides a versatile tool for research pathways not previously possible in Ae. aegypti, such as programmed overexpression of endogenous genes, and may aid in gene characterization studies and the development of innovative vector control tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Bui
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Elena Dalla Benetta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yunchong Zhao
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Ting Yang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Igor A. Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Anna Buchman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Vanessa Bottino-Rojas
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Anthony A. James
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Michael W. Perry
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
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Sneed SD, Dwivedi SB, DiGate C, Denecke S, Povelones M. Aedes aegypti Malpighian tubules are immunologically activated following systemic Toll activation. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:469. [PMID: 36522779 PMCID: PMC9753289 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine heartworm is a widespread and potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease caused by infections with the parasitic nematode, Dirofilaria immitis. We have previously shown that systemic activation of the Toll immune pathway via silencing of the negative regulator Cactus in Aedes aegypti blocks parasite development in the Malpighian tubules (MT), the mosquito renal organ. However, it was not established whether the MT were directly responding to Toll activation or were alternatively responding to upregulated proteins or other changes to the hemolymph driven by other tissues. Distinguishing these possibilities is crucial for developing more precise strategies to block D. immitis while potentially avoiding the fitness cost to the mosquito associated with Cactus silencing. METHODS This study defines the transcriptional response of the MT and changes to the hemolymph proteome of Ae. aegypti after systemic Toll activation via intra-thoracic injection of double-stranded Cactus (dsCactus) RNA. RESULTS Malpighian tubules significantly increased expression of the Toll pathway target genes that significantly overlapped expression changes occurring in whole mosquitoes. A significant overlap between the transcriptional response of the MT and proteins upregulated in the hemolymph was also observed. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that MT are capable of RNA interference-mediated gene silencing and directly respond to dsCactus treatment by upregulating targets of the canonical Toll pathway. Although not definitive, the strong correspondence between the MT transcriptional response and the hemolymph proteomic responses provides evidence that the MT may contribute to mosquito humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D. Sneed
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Sutopa B. Dwivedi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Cameron DiGate
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Shane Denecke
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Michael Povelones
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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Expression of mosquito miRNAs in entomopathogenic fungus induces pathogen-mediated host RNA interference and increases fungal efficacy. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111527. [PMID: 36288711 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing threat of insecticide resistance prompts the urgent need to develop additional tools for mosquito control. Entomopathogenic fungi provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides. One limitation to the use of mycoinsecticides is their relatively low virulence. Here, we report an approach for suppressing mosquito immunity and increasing fungal virulence. We engineered Beauveria bassiana to express Aedes immunosuppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) to induce host RNA interference (RNAi) immune responses. We show that engineered strains can produce and deliver the miRNAs into host cells to activate cross-kingdom RNAi during infection and suppress mosquito immunity by targeting multiple host genes, thereby dramatically increasing fungal virulence against Aedes aegypti and Galleria mellonella larvae. Importantly, expressing host miRNAs also significantly increases fungal virulence against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, creating potential for insecticide-resistance management. This pathogen-mediated RNAi (pmRNAi)-based approach provides an innovative strategy to enhance the efficacy of fungal insecticides and eliminate the likelihood of resistance development.
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10
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Wu S, He Y, Wei Y, Fan P, Ni W, Zhong D, Zhou G, Zheng X. Effects of Guangzhou seasonal climate change on the development of Aedes albopictus and its susceptibility to DENV-2. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266128. [PMID: 35363810 PMCID: PMC8975156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The susceptibility of Asian tiger mosquitoes to DENV-2 in different seasons was observed in simulated field environments as a reference to design dengue fever control strategies in Guangzhou. The life table experiments of mosquitoes in four seasons were carried out in the field. The susceptibility of Ae. albopictus to dengue virus was observed in both environments in Guangzhou in summer and winter. Ae. albopictus was infected with dengue virus by oral feeding. On day 7 and 14 after infection, the viral load in the head, ovary, and midgut of the mosquito was detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Immune-associated gene expression in infected mosquitoes was performed using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The hatching rate and pupation rate of Ae. albopictus larvae in different seasons differed significantly. The winter hatching rate of larvae was lower than that in summer, and the incubation time was longer than in summer. In the winter field environment, Ae. albopictus still underwent basic growth and development processes. Mosquitoes in the simulated field environment were more susceptible to DENV-2 than those in the simulated laboratory environment. In the midgut, viral RNA levels on day 7 in summer were higher than those on day 7 in winter (F = 14.459, P = 0.01); ovarian viral RNA levels on day 7 in summer were higher than those on day 7 in winter (F = 8.656, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in the viral load at other time points (P > 0.05). Dicer-2 mRNA expression on day 7 in winter was 4.071 times than that on day 7 in summer: the viral load and Dicer-2 expression correlated moderately. Ae. albopictus could still develop and transmit dengue virus in winter in Guangzhou. Mosquitoes under simulated field conditions were more susceptible to DENV-2 than those under simulated laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulan He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Wei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyang Fan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weigui Ni
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Xueli Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Mao W, Zeng Q, She L, Yuan H, Luo Y, Wang R, She Y, Wang W, Wang C, Pan X. Wolbachia Utilizes lncRNAs to Activate the Anti-Dengue Toll Pathway and Balance Reactive Oxygen Species Stress in Aedes aegypti Through a Competitive Endogenous RNA Network. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:823403. [PMID: 35127567 PMCID: PMC8814319 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.823403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), a class of RNA molecules without protein coding potential, are more than 200 nucleotides in length and widely present in a variety of species. Although increasing progress in regard to the determination of lncRNA function has been made in vertebrates, Aedes aegypti lncRNAs were only identified recently and the functions of few lncRNAs have been annotated so far. Herein, the genome-wide alteration of the lncRNA expression profile trigged by Wolbachia wAlbB infection was investigated by comparing A. aegypti Aag2 cells and W-Aag2 cells infected with Wolbachia wAlbB. Based on lncRNA sequencing, 3035 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) in total were identified upon Wolbachia infection, which were further validated by quantitative PCR. The constructed co-expression network of DE lncRNAs and mRNAs revealed that Wolbachia-induced DE lncRNAs were highly enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway via trans-activity, according to the KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. In addition, the established competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network identifies the DE lncRNAs enriched in cellular oxidant detoxification based on GO enrichment analysis. Furthermore, silencing of aae-lnc-7598, the significantly up-regulated lncRNA with the highest fold change induced by Wolbachia, caused a significant reduction of antioxidant catalase 1B (CAT1B) gene expression as well as the enhancement of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in living cells. These findings indicate that Wolbachia manipulates lncRNA to balance intracellular ROS stress and ensure its endosymbiosis in host A. aegypti. Notably, the function assay demonstrated that aae-lnc-0165 suppressed by Wolbachia could induce expression of the REL1 gene, the key regulator of downstream Toll pathway, through the sequence-specific binding of aae-miR-980-5p, which contributes to the activation of Toll pathway. Moreover, the depletion of aae-lnc-0165 caused the suppression of mitochondrial ROS levels in living cells. Our data reveal that Wolbachia activates the anti-dengue Toll pathway through a lncRNA-ceRNA pattern. Taken together, our finding suggested that Wolbachia utilizes lncRNAs to activate host anti-dengue Toll pathway via a ceRNA network. Moreover, Wolbachia employs lncRNAs to ensure ROS homeostasis for ROS-based anti-dengue defense through either trans-regulation or the ceRNA network. This study identifies novel potential molecular biomarkers for prevention and control of epidemic dengue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Mao
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qin Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lingzhi She
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuying Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Renke Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yueting She
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Weifeng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaojun Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoling Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoling Pan,
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12
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Bae YM, Jo YH, Patnaik BB, Kim BB, Park KB, Edosa TT, Keshavarz M, Kojour MAM, Lee YS, Han YS. Tenebrio molitor Spätzle 1b Is Required to Confer Antibacterial Defense Against Gram-Negative Bacteria by Regulation of Antimicrobial Peptides. Front Physiol 2021; 12:758859. [PMID: 34867464 PMCID: PMC8637286 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.758859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is the ultimate line of defense against invading pathogens in insects. Unlike in the mammalian model, in the insect model, invading pathogens are recognized by extracellular receptors, which activate the Toll signaling pathway through an extracellular serine protease cascade. In the Toll-NF-κB pathway, the extracellular spätzle protein acts as a downstream ligand for Toll receptors in insects. In this study, we identified a novel Spätzle isoform (TmSpz1b) from RNA sequencing database of Tenebrio molitor. TmSpz1b was bioinformatically analyzed, and functionally characterized for the antimicrobial function by RNA interference (RNAi). The 702 bp open reading frame of TmSpz1b encoded a putative protein of 233 amino acid residues. A conserved cystine-knot domain with seven cysteine residues in TmSpz1b was involved in three disulfide bridges and the formation of a spätzle dimer. TmSpz1b was mostly expressed in the hemocytes of T. molitor late instar larvae. The mRNA expression of TmSpz1b was highly induced in the hemocytes after Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans stimulation of T. molitor larvae. TmSpz1b silenced larvae were significantly more susceptible to E. coli infection. In addition, RNAi-based functional assay characterized TmSpz1b to be involved in the positive regulation of antimicrobial peptide genes in hemocytes and fat bodies. Further, the TmDorX2 transcripts were downregulated in TmSpz1b silenced individuals upon E. coli challenge suggesting the relationship to Toll signaling pathway. These results indicate that TmSpz1b is involved in the T. molitor innate immunity, causes the sequestration of Gram-negative bacteria by the regulatory action of antimicrobial peptides, and enhances the survival of T. molitor larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Min Bae
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Yong Hun Jo
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Bharat Bhusan Patnaik
- Department of Bio-Science and Bio-Technology, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, India
| | - Bo Bae Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Ki Beom Park
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Tariku Tesfaye Edosa
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.,Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Ambo Agricultural Research Center, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Maryam Keshavarz
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biology-Zoology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maryam Ali Mohammadie Kojour
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Yong Seok Lee
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
| | - Yeon Soo Han
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
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13
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Hun LV, Cheung KW, Brooks E, Zudekoff R, Luckhart S, Riehle MA. Increased insulin signaling in the Anopheles stephensi fat body regulates metabolism and enhances the host response to both bacterial challenge and Plasmodium falciparum infection. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 139:103669. [PMID: 34666189 PMCID: PMC8647039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates and invertebrates, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling (IIS) cascade is highly conserved and plays a vital role in many different physiological processes. Among the many tissues that respond to IIS in mosquitoes, the fat body has a central role in metabolism, lifespan, reproduction, and innate immunity. We previously demonstrated that fat body specific expression of active Akt, a key IIS signaling molecule, in adult Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti activated the IIS cascade and extended lifespan. Additionally, we found that transgenic females produced more vitellogenin (Vg) protein than non-transgenic mosquitoes, although this did not translate into increased fecundity. These results prompted us to further examine how IIS impacts immunity, metabolism, growth and development of these transgenic mosquitoes. We observed significant changes in glycogen, trehalose, triglycerides, glucose, and protein in young (3-5 d) transgenic mosquitoes relative to non-transgenic sibling controls, while only triglycerides were significantly changed in older (18 d) transgenic mosquitoes. More importantly, we demonstrated that enhanced fat body IIS decreased both the prevalence and intensity of Plasmodium falciparum infection in transgenic An. stephensi. Additionally, challenging transgenic An. stephensi with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria altered the expression of several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and two anti-Plasmodium genes, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and thioester complement-like protein (TEP1), relative to non-transgenic controls. Increased IIS in the fat body of adult female An. stephensi had little to no impact on body size, growth or development of progeny from transgenic mosquitoes relative to non-transgenic controls. This study both confirms and expands our understanding of the critical roles insulin signaling plays in regulating the diverse functions of the mosquito fat body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis V Hun
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA; Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kong Wai Cheung
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Brooks
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rissa Zudekoff
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Departrment of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Michael A Riehle
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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14
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Dong S, Dong Y, Simões ML, Dimopoulos G. Mosquito transgenesis for malaria control. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:54-66. [PMID: 34483052 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases. Because of the ineffectiveness of current malaria-control methods, several novel mosquito vector-based control strategies have been proposed to supplement existing control strategies. Mosquito transgenesis and gene drive have emerged as promising tools for preventing the spread of malaria by either suppressing mosquito populations by self-destructing mosquitoes or replacing mosquito populations with disease-refractory populations. Here we review the development of mosquito transgenesis and its application for malaria control, highlighting the transgenic expression of antiparasitic effector genes, inactivation of host factor genes, and manipulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs. Overall, from a malaria-control perspective, mosquito transgenesis is not envisioned as a stand-alone approach; rather, its use is proposed as a complement to existing vector-control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengzhang Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yuemei Dong
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Maria L Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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15
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Wei Y, Wang J, Wei YH, Song Z, Hu K, Chen Y, Zhou G, Zhong D, Zheng X. Vector Competence for DENV-2 Among Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:649975. [PMID: 33834007 PMCID: PMC8021855 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.649975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes albopictus is a vector of over 20 arboviruses that has spread throughout the world, mainly in the second half of the twentieth century. Approximately 50–100 million people are infected with dengue virus (DENV) transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes each year, leading to heavy economic burdens for both governments and individuals, among countless other negative consequences. Understanding the vector competence of vector species is critical for effectively preventing and controlling vector-borne diseases. Accordingly, in this study, vector competence was evaluated by quantitative analysis of DENV-2 loads in mosquito tissues (midguts, heads, and salivary glands) and whole mosquitoes through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Wolbachia and the expression of immune-associated genes (Rel1, Rel2, Dicer2, and STAT) in mosquitoes were also detected by RT-qPCR to explore their impact on vector competence. The amount of DENV-2 in the mosquito midguts, heads, and salivary glands from southern-western China were found to be lower than those from eastern-central-northern China. The DENV-2 loads in whole mosquitoes showed a negative correlation with Rel1 gene (r = -0.285, P = 0.011) and STAT gene expression levels (r = -0.289, P = 0.009). In terms of Wolbachia strains, the density of the wAlbB strain was found to be significantly higher than that of the wAlbA strain in the eight Ae. albopictus populations, and the relative density of the wAlbB strain in mosquitoes from southern-western China was higher than those from eastern-central-northern China. The relative density of the wAlbB strain showed a negative correlation with the mean loads of DENV-2 in the heads (r = -0.729, P = 0.040), salivary glands (r = -0.785, P = 0.021), and whole mosquitoes (r = -0.909, P = 0.002). Thus, there are lower DENV-2 loads in the mosquitoes from southern-western China, which may be related to the innate immunity of mosquitoes as affected by Rel1 in the Toll pathway, STAT in the JAK-STAT pathway, and the relative density of the wAlbB strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiatian Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Huan Wei
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhangyao Song
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulan Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Xueli Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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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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17
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Zhang D, Wang Y, He K, Yang Q, Gong M, Ji M, Chen L. Wolbachia limits pathogen infections through induction of host innate immune responses. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226736. [PMID: 32078642 PMCID: PMC7032688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wolbachia has been reported to suppress a variety of pathogen infections in mosquitoes, but the mechanism is undefined. Two possibilities have been proposed. One is that Wolbachia activates host immune responses, and the other one is that Wolbachia competes with pathogens for limited nutrients. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we compared host immune responses and the densities of two different strains of Wolbachia in naturally occurring parental and artificially created hybrid host genetic backgrounds. No significant difference in Wolbachia density was found between these hosts. We found that Wolbachia could activate host innate immune responses when the host genetic profile was different from that of its natural host. When these hosts were challenged with pathogenic bacteria, mosquitoes in new host-Wolbachia symbioses had a higher survival rate than in old host-Wolbachia symbioses. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The presence of Wolbachia per se does not necessarily affect pathogen infections, suggesting that a competition for limited nutrients is not the main reason for Wolbachia-mediated pathogen suppression. Instead, host immune responses are responsible for it. The elucidation of an immunity nature of PI is important to guide future practice: Wolbachia may be genetically engineered to be more immunogenic, it is desired to search and isolate more strains of Wolbachia, and test more host-Wolbachia symbioses for future applications. Our results also suggest Wolbachia-based PI may be applied to naturally Wolbachia-infected mosquito populations, and extend to the control of a broader range of mosquito-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Zhang
- School of International Education, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingfan Wang
- Program of “5+3” Integrative Clinical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kun He
- Program of Medical Imaging, School of Medical Imaging, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinggui Yang
- Jiangsu International Travel Healthcare Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maoqing Gong
- Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Institute of Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Minjun Ji
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
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18
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Cabral S, de Paula A, Samuels R, da Fonseca R, Gomes S, Silva JR, Mury F. Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Immune Responses with Different Feeding Regimes Following Infection by the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. INSECTS 2020; 11:E95. [PMID: 32024202 PMCID: PMC7074208 DOI: 10.3390/insects11020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the most notorious vector of illness-causing viruses. The use of entomopathogenic fungi as bioinsecticides is a promising alternative for the development of novel mosquito control strategies. We investigate whether differences in immune responses could be responsible for modifications in survival rates of insects following different feeding regimes. Sucrose and blood-fed adult A. aegypti females were sprayed with M. anisopliae 1 × 106 conidia mL-1, and after 48 h, the midgut and fat body were dissected. We used RT-qPCR to monitor the expression of Cactus and REL1 (Toll pathway), IMD, REL2, and Caspar (IMD pathway), STAT and PIAS (JAK-STAT pathway), as well as the expression of antimicrobial peptides (Defensin A, Attacin and Cecropin G). REL1 and REL2 expression in both the midgut and fat body were higher in blood-fed fungus-challenged A. aegypti than in sucrose-fed counterparts. Interestingly, infection of sucrose-fed insects induced Cactus expression in the fat body, a negative regulator of the Toll pathway. The IMD gene was upregulated in the fat body in response to fungal infection after a blood meal. Additionally, we observed the induction of antimicrobial peptides in the blood-fed fungus-challenged insects. This study suggests that blood-fed A. aegypti are less susceptible to fungal infection due to the rapid induction of Toll and IMD immune pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cabral
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica—Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade—NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil; (S.C.); (J.R.S.)
| | - Adriano de Paula
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia—CCTA, Universidade Estadual do Norte FluminenseDarcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-603, Brazil; (A.d.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Richard Samuels
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia—CCTA, Universidade Estadual do Norte FluminenseDarcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-603, Brazil; (A.d.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Rodrigo da Fonseca
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais—Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade –NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil;
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular—INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Simone Gomes
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia—CCTA, Universidade Estadual do Norte FluminenseDarcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-603, Brazil; (A.d.P.); (S.G.)
| | - José Roberto Silva
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica—Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade—NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil; (S.C.); (J.R.S.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular—INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Flávia Mury
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular—INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
- Laboratório Integrado de Biociências Translacionais—Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade—NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil
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19
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Tawidian P, Rhodes VL, Michel K. Mosquito-fungus interactions and antifungal immunity. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 111:103182. [PMID: 31265904 PMCID: PMC6639037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito immune system has evolved in the presence of continuous encounters with fungi that range from food to foes. Herein, we review the field of mosquito-fungal interactions, providing an overview of current knowledge and topics of interest. Mosquitoes encounter fungi in their aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Mosquito larvae are exposed to fungi on plant detritus, within the water column, and at the water surface. Adult mosquitoes are exposed to fungi during indoor and outdoor resting, blood and sugar feeding, mating, and oviposition. Fungi enter the mosquito body through different routes, including ingestion and through active or passive breaches in the cuticle. Oral uptake of fungi can be beneficial to mosquitoes, as yeasts hold nutritional value and support larval development. However, ingestion of or surface contact with fungal entomopathogens leads to colonization of the mosquito with often lethal consequences to the host. The mosquito immune system recognizes fungi and mounts cellular and humoral immune responses in the hemocoel, and possibly epithelial immune responses in the gut. These responses are regulated transcriptionally through multiple signal transduction pathways. Proteolytic protease cascades provide additional regulation of antifungal immunity. Together, these immune responses provide an efficient barrier to fungal infections, which need to be overcome by entomopathogens. Therefore, fungi constitute an excellent tool to examine the molecular underpinnings of mosquito immunity and to identify novel antifungal peptides. In addition, recent advances in mycobiome analyses can now be used to examine the contribution of fungi to various mosquito traits, including vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Tawidian
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 267 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - V L Rhodes
- Missouri Southern State University, Biology Department, Reynolds Hall 220, 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin, MO, 64801-1595, USA
| | - K Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 267 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
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Lin CC, Chen YH, Guan TC, Chang SW, Pai H, Chou SJ, Tsai HP. Expression of foreign proteins by antimicrobial peptide gene promoters in mosquitoes. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/jmedsci.jmedsci_194_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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21
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Serotonin signaling regulates insulin-like peptides for growth, reproduction, and metabolism in the disease vector Aedes aegypti. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E9822-E9831. [PMID: 30275337 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1808243115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease-transmitting female mosquitoes require a vertebrate blood meal to produce their eggs. An obligatory hematophagous lifestyle, rapid reproduction, and existence of a large number of transmittable diseases make mosquitoes the world's deadliest animals. Attaining optimal body size and nutritional status is critical for mosquitoes to become reproductively competent and effective disease vectors. We report that blood feeding boosts serotonin concentration and elevates the serotonin receptor Aa5HT2B (Aedes aegypti 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor, type 2B) transcript level in the fat-body, an insect analog of the vertebrate liver and adipose tissue. Aa5HT2B gene disruption using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing approach led to a decreased body size, postponed development, shortened lifespan, retarded ovarian growth, and dramatically diminished lipid accumulation. Expression of the insulin-like peptide (ILP) genes ilp2 and ilp6 was down-regulated while that of ilp5 and ilp4 was up-regulated in response to Aa5HT2B disruption. CRISPR-Cas9 disruption of ilp2 or ilp6 resulted in adverse phenotypes similar to those of Aa5HT2B disruption, while ilp5 CRISPR-Cas9 disruption had exactly the opposite effect on growth and metabolism, with significantly increased body size and elevated lipid stores. Simultaneous CRISPR-Cas9 disruption of Aa5HT2B and ilp5 rescued these phenotypic manifestations. Aa5HT2B RNAi silencing rendered ilp6 insensitive to serotonin treatment in the cultured fat-body, suggesting a regulatory link between Aa5HT2B and ILP6. Moreover, CRISPR-Cas9 ilp6 disruption affects expression of ilp-2, -5, and -4, pointing out on a possible role of ILP6 as a mediator of the Aa5HT2B action.
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Shaw WR, Catteruccia F. Vector biology meets disease control: using basic research to fight vector-borne diseases. Nat Microbiol 2018; 4:20-34. [PMID: 30150735 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-018-0214-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human pathogens that are transmitted by insects are a global problem, particularly those vectored by mosquitoes; for example, malaria parasites transmitted by Anopheles species, and viruses such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya that are carried by Aedes mosquitoes. Over the past 15 years, the prevalence of malaria has been substantially reduced and virus outbreaks have been contained by controlling mosquito vectors using insecticide-based approaches. However, disease control is now threatened by alarming rates of insecticide resistance in insect populations, prompting the need to develop a new generation of specific strategies that can reduce vector-mediated transmission. Here, we review how increased knowledge in insect biology and insect-pathogen interactions is stimulating new concepts and tools for vector control. We focus on strategies that either interfere with the development of pathogens within their vectors or directly impact insect survival, including enhancement of vector-mediated immune control, manipulation of the insect microbiome, or use of powerful new genetic tools such as CRISPR-Cas systems to edit vector genomes. Finally, we offer a perspective on the implementation hurdles as well as the knowledge gaps that must be filled in the coming years to safely realize the potential of these novel strategies to eliminate the scourge of vector-borne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Robert Shaw
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, USA.
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23
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Kumar A, Srivastava P, Sirisena P, Dubey SK, Kumar R, Shrinet J, Sunil S. Mosquito Innate Immunity. INSECTS 2018; 9:insects9030095. [PMID: 30096752 PMCID: PMC6165528 DOI: 10.3390/insects9030095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes live under the endless threat of infections from different kinds of pathogens such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses. The mosquito defends itself by employing both physical and physiological barriers that resist the entry of the pathogen and the subsequent establishment of the pathogen within the mosquito. However, if the pathogen does gain entry into the insect, the insect mounts a vigorous innate cellular and humoral immune response against the pathogen, thereby limiting the pathogen's propagation to nonpathogenic levels. This happens through three major mechanisms: phagocytosis, melanization, and lysis. During these processes, various signaling pathways that engage intense mosquito⁻pathogen interactions are activated. A critical overview of the mosquito immune system and latest information about the interaction between mosquitoes and pathogens are provided in this review. The conserved, innate immune pathways and specific anti-pathogenic strategies in mosquito midgut, hemolymph, salivary gland, and neural tissues for the control of pathogen propagation are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Kumar
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Priyanshu Srivastava
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Pdnn Sirisena
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Sunil Kumar Dubey
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Jatin Shrinet
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
| | - Sujatha Sunil
- Vector Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110067, India.
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24
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Rhodes VL, Thomas MB, Michel K. The interplay between dose and immune system activation determines fungal infection outcome in the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 85:125-133. [PMID: 29649553 PMCID: PMC5935592 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Toll pathway is a central regulator of antifungal immunity in insects. In mosquitoes, the Toll pathway affects infections with the fungal entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana, which is considered a potential mosquito biopesticide. We report here the use of B. bassiana strain I93-825 in Anopheles gambiae to analyze the impact of Toll pathway modulation on mosquito survival. Exposure to a narrow dose range of conidia by direct contact decreased mosquito longevity and median survival. In addition, fungal exposure dose correlated positively and linearly with hazard ratio. Increased Toll signaling by knockdown of its inhibitor, cactus, decreased survivorship of uninfected females, increased mosquito survival after low dose B. bassiana exposure, but had little effect following exposure to higher doses. This observed trade-off could have implications for development of B. bassiana as a prospective vector control tool. On the one hand, selection for small increases in mosquito immune signaling across a narrow dose range could impair efficacy of B. bassiana. On the other hand, costs of immunity and the capacity for higher doses of fungus to overwhelm immune responses could limit evolution of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Rhodes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Matthew B Thomas
- Department of Entomology and Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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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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Barrows NJ, Campos RK, Liao KC, Prasanth KR, Soto-Acosta R, Yeh SC, Schott-Lerner G, Pompon J, Sessions OM, Bradrick SS, Garcia-Blanco MA. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Flaviviruses. Chem Rev 2018; 118:4448-4482. [PMID: 29652486 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Flaviviruses, such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, are critically important human pathogens that sicken a staggeringly high number of humans every year. Most of these pathogens are transmitted by mosquitos, and not surprisingly, as the earth warms and human populations grow and move, their geographic reach is increasing. Flaviviruses are simple RNA-protein machines that carry out protein synthesis, genome replication, and virion packaging in close association with cellular lipid membranes. In this review, we examine the molecular biology of flaviviruses touching on the structure and function of viral components and how these interact with host factors. The latter are functionally divided into pro-viral and antiviral factors, both of which, not surprisingly, include many RNA binding proteins. In the interface between the virus and the hosts we highlight the role of a noncoding RNA produced by flaviviruses to impair antiviral host immune responses. Throughout the review, we highlight areas of intense investigation, or a need for it, and potential targets and tools to consider in the important battle against pathogenic flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Barrows
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , Texas 77555 , United States.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27710 , United States
| | - Rafael K Campos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , Texas 77555 , United States.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27710 , United States
| | - Kuo-Chieh Liao
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases , Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore 169857 , Singapore
| | - K Reddisiva Prasanth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , Texas 77555 , United States
| | - Ruben Soto-Acosta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , Texas 77555 , United States
| | - Shih-Chia Yeh
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases , Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore 169857 , Singapore
| | - Geraldine Schott-Lerner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , Texas 77555 , United States
| | - Julien Pompon
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases , Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore 169857 , Singapore.,MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Université de Montpellier , Montpellier 34090 , France
| | - October M Sessions
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases , Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore 169857 , Singapore
| | - Shelton S Bradrick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , Texas 77555 , United States
| | - Mariano A Garcia-Blanco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston , Texas 77555 , United States.,Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases , Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore 169857 , Singapore
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27
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Pan X, Pike A, Joshi D, Bian G, McFadden MJ, Lu P, Liang X, Zhang F, Raikhel AS, Xi Z. The bacterium Wolbachia exploits host innate immunity to establish a symbiotic relationship with the dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti. ISME JOURNAL 2017; 12:277-288. [PMID: 29099491 PMCID: PMC5739022 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2017.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A host's immune system plays a central role in shaping the composition of the microbiota and, in return, resident microbes influence immune responses. Symbiotic associations of the maternally transmitted bacterium Wolbachia occur with a wide range of arthropods. It is, however, absent from the dengue and Zika vector mosquito Aedes aegypti in nature. When Wolbachia is artificially forced to form symbiosis with this new mosquito host, it boosts the basal immune response and enhances the mosquito's resistance to pathogens, including dengue, Zika virus and malaria parasites. The mechanisms involved in establishing a symbiotic relationship between Wolbachia and A. aegypti, and the long-term outcomes of this interaction, are not well understood. Here, we have demonstrated that both the immune deficiency (IMD) and Toll pathways are activated by the Wolbachia strain wAlbB upon its introduction into A. aegypti. Silencing the Toll and IMD pathways via RNA interference reduces the wAlbB load. Notably, wAlbB induces peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP)-LE expression in the carcass of A. aegypti, and its silencing results in a reduction of symbiont load. Using transgenic mosquitoes with stage-specific induction of the IMD and Toll pathways, we have shown that elevated wAlbB infection in these mosquitoes is maintained via maternal transmission. These results indicate that host innate immunity is utilized to establish and promote host-microbial symbiosis. Our results will facilitate a long-term projection of the stability of the Wolbachia-A. aegypti mosquito system that is being developed to control dengue and Zika virus transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Pan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Andrew Pike
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Deepak Joshi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Guowu Bian
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Michael J McFadden
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Peng Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Fengrui Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Alexander S Raikhel
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Molecular Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.,Sun Yat-sen University-Michigan State University Joint Center of Vector Control for Tropical Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
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28
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Angleró-Rodríguez YI, MacLeod HJ, Kang S, Carlson JS, Jupatanakul N, Dimopoulos G. Aedes aegypti Molecular Responses to Zika Virus: Modulation of Infection by the Toll and Jak/Stat Immune Pathways and Virus Host Factors. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2050. [PMID: 29109710 PMCID: PMC5660061 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) are transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes. However, the molecular interactions between the vector and ZIKV remain largely unexplored. In this work, we further investigated the tropism of ZIKV in two different Aedes aegypti strains and show that the virus infection kinetics, tissue migration, and susceptibility to infection differ between mosquito strains. We also compare the vector transcriptome changes upon ZIKV or DENV infection demonstrating that 40% of the mosquito's midgut infection-responsive transcriptome is virus-specific at 7 days after virus ingestion. Regulated genes included key factors of the mosquito's anti-viral immunity. Comparison of the ZIKV and DENV infection-responsive transcriptome data to those available for yellow fever virus and West Nile virus identified 26 genes likely to play key roles in virus infection of Aedes mosquitoes. Through reverse genetic analyses, we show that the Toll and the Jak/Stat innate immune pathways mediate increased resistance to ZIKV infection, and the conserved DENV host factors vATPase and inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase are also utilized for ZIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesseinia I Angleró-Rodríguez
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hannah J MacLeod
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Seokyoung Kang
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jenny S Carlson
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Natapong Jupatanakul
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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29
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The sex locus is tightly linked to factors conferring sex-specific lethal effects in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Heredity (Edinb) 2016; 117:408-416. [PMID: 27485667 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2016.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In many taxa, sex chromosomes are heteromorphic and largely non-recombining. Evolutionary models predict that spread of recombination suppression on the Y chromosome is fueled by the accumulation of sexually antagonistic alleles in close linkage to the sex determination region. However, empirical evidence for the existence of sexually antagonistic alleles is scarce. In the mosquito Aedes aegypti, the sex-determining chromosomes are homomorphic. The region of suppressed recombination, which surrounds the male-specific sex-determining gene, remains very small, despite ancient origin of the sex chromosomes in the Aedes lineage. We conducted a genetic analysis of the A. aegypti chromosome region tightly linked to the sex locus. We used a strain with an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged transgene inserted near the male-determining gene to monitor crossing-over events close to the boundary of the sex-determining region (SDR), and to trace the inheritance pattern of the transgene in relation to sex. In a series of crossing experiments involving individuals with a recombinant sex chromosome we found developmental abnormalities leading to 1:2 sex biases, caused by lethality of half of the male or female progeny. Our results suggest that various factors causing sex-specific lethal effects are clustered within the neighborhood of the SDR, which in the affected sex are likely lost or gained through recombination, leading to death. These may include genes that are recessive lethal, vital for development and/or sexually antagonistic. The sex chromosome fragment in question represents a fascinating test case for the analysis of processes that shape stable boundaries of a non-recombining region.
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30
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Sim S, Hibberd ML. Genomic approaches for understanding dengue: insights from the virus, vector, and host. Genome Biol 2016; 17:38. [PMID: 26931545 PMCID: PMC4774013 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-016-0907-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence and geographic range of dengue have increased dramatically in recent decades. Climate change, rapid urbanization and increased global travel have facilitated the spread of both efficient mosquito vectors and the four dengue virus serotypes between population centers. At the same time, significant advances in genomics approaches have provided insights into host–pathogen interactions, immunogenetics, and viral evolution in both humans and mosquitoes. Here, we review these advances and the innovative treatment and control strategies that they are inspiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhen Sim
- Infectious Diseases, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, 138672, Singapore
| | - Martin L Hibberd
- Infectious Diseases, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, 138672, Singapore. .,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
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31
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Kean J, Rainey SM, McFarlane M, Donald CL, Schnettler E, Kohl A, Pondeville E. Fighting Arbovirus Transmission: Natural and Engineered Control of Vector Competence in Aedes Mosquitoes. INSECTS 2015; 6:236-78. [PMID: 26463078 PMCID: PMC4553541 DOI: 10.3390/insects6010236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Control of aedine mosquito vectors, either by mosquito population reduction or replacement with refractory mosquitoes, may play an essential role in the fight against arboviral diseases. In this review, we will focus on the development and application of biological approaches, both natural or engineered, to limit mosquito vector competence for arboviruses. The study of mosquito antiviral immunity has led to the identification of a number of host response mechanisms and proteins that are required to control arbovirus replication in mosquitoes, though more factors influencing vector competence are likely to be discovered. We will discuss key aspects of these pathways as targets either for selection of naturally resistant mosquito populations or for mosquito genetic manipulation. Moreover, we will consider the use of endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia, which in some cases have proven to be remarkably efficient in disrupting arbovirus transmission by mosquitoes, but also the use of naturally occurring insect-specific viruses that may interfere with arboviruses in mosquito vectors. Finally, we will discuss the use of paratransgenesis as well as entomopathogenic fungi, which are also proposed strategies to control vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Kean
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Stephanie M Rainey
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Melanie McFarlane
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Claire L Donald
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Esther Schnettler
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Emilie Pondeville
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
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32
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Mosquito immunity against arboviruses. Viruses 2014; 6:4479-504. [PMID: 25415198 PMCID: PMC4246235 DOI: 10.3390/v6114479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) pose a significant threat to global health, causing human disease with increasing geographic range and severity. The recent availability of the genome sequences of medically important mosquito species has kick-started investigations into the molecular basis of how mosquito vectors control arbovirus infection. Here, we discuss recent findings concerning the role of the mosquito immune system in antiviral defense, interactions between arboviruses and fundamental cellular processes such as apoptosis and autophagy, and arboviral suppression of mosquito defense mechanisms. This knowledge provides insights into co-evolutionary processes between vector and virus and also lays the groundwork for the development of novel arbovirus control strategies that target the mosquito vector.
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Wu RCC, Cho WL. Cloning and characterization of microbial activated Aedes aegypti MEK4 (AaMEK4): influences of noncatalytic domains on enzymatic activity. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 23:644-655. [PMID: 25039995 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinases are known to be involved in a number of signal transduction cascades. Both the stress-activated Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 pathways have been shown to correlate with the insect immune response to microbial infection. MAP kinase kinase 4 (MEK4) is an upstream kinase of JNK and p38 kinase. The cDNA of AaMEK4 was cloned and characterized. AaMEK4 was activated by microbial lysates of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and yeast. The conserved lysine (K112 ) and the putative phosphorylation sites (S238 and T242 ) were shown to be important for kinase activity by site-directed mutagenesis. A common MAPK docking site (MAPK_dsA) was found and in addition, a new nearby docking site, MAPK_dsB, was identified in the N-terminal noncatalytic domain of AaMEK4. MAPK_dsB was shown to be a unique element in the MEK4 family. In this study, both MAPK_dsA and _dsB were demonstrated to be important to AaMEK4 enzymatic activity for the downstream protein kinase, Aap38.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C-C Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Novel Genetic and Molecular Tools for the Investigation and Control of Dengue Virus Transmission by Mosquitoes. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2014; 1:21-31. [PMID: 24693489 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-013-0007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the principal vector of dengue virus (DENV) throughout the tropical world. This anthropophilic mosquito species needs to be persistently infected with DENV before it can transmit the virus through its saliva to a new vertebrate host. In the mosquito, DENV is confronted with several innate immune pathways, among which RNA interference is considered the most important. The Ae. aegypti genome project opened the doors for advanced molecular studies on pathogen-vector interactions including genetic manipulation of the vector for basic research and vector control purposes. Thus, Ae. aegypti has become the primary model for studying vector competence for arboviruses at the molecular level. Here, we present recent findings regarding DENV-mosquito interactions, emphasizing how innate immune responses modulate DENV infections in Ae. aegypti. We also describe the latest advancements in genetic manipulation of Ae. aegypti and discuss how this technology can be used to investigate vector transmission of DENV at the molecular level and to control transmission of the virus in the field.
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Barrows NJ, Jamison SF, Bradrick SS, Le Sommer C, Kim SY, Pearson J, Garcia-Blanco MA. Functional genomics approach for the identification of human host factors supporting dengue viral propagation. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1138:285-299. [PMID: 24696344 PMCID: PMC4075997 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0348-1_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is endemic throughout tropical regions of the world and there are no approved treatments or anti-transmission agents currently available. Consequently, there exists an enormous unmet need to treat the human diseases caused by DENV and block viral transmission by the mosquito vector. RNAi screening represents an efficient method to expand the pool of known host factors that could become viable targets for treatments or provide rationale to consider available drugs as anti-DENV treatments. We developed a high-throughput siRNA-based screening protocol that can identify human DENV host factors. The protocol herein describes the materials and the procedures necessary to screen a human cell line in order to identify genes which are either necessary for or restrict DENV propagation at any stage in the viral life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Barrows
- Center for RNA Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke RNAi Screening Facility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sharon F. Jamison
- Center for RNA Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Shelton S. Bradrick
- Center for RNA Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Caroline Le Sommer
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - So Young Kim
- Center for RNA Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke RNAi Screening Facility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - James Pearson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke RNAi Screening Facility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mariano A. Garcia-Blanco
- Center for RNA Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Scott JG, Michel K, Bartholomay L, Siegfried BD, Hunter WB, Smagghe G, Zhu KY, Douglas AE. Towards the elements of successful insect RNAi. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 59:1212-21. [PMID: 24041495 PMCID: PMC3870143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2013.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi), the sequence-specific suppression of gene expression, offers great opportunities for insect science, especially to analyze gene function, manage pest populations, and reduce disease pathogens. The accumulating body of literature on insect RNAi has revealed that the efficiency of RNAi varies between different species, the mode of RNAi delivery, and the genes being targeted. There is also variation in the duration of transcript suppression. At present, we have a limited capacity to predict the ideal experimental strategy for RNAi of a particular gene/insect because of our incomplete understanding of whether and how the RNAi signal is amplified and spread among insect cells. Consequently, development of the optimal RNAi protocols is a highly empirical process. This limitation can be relieved by systematic analysis of the molecular physiological basis of RNAi mechanisms in insects. An enhanced conceptual understanding of RNAi function in insects will facilitate the application of RNAi for dissection of gene function, and to fast-track the application of RNAi to both control pests and develop effective methods to protect beneficial insects and non-insect arthropods, particularly the honey bee (Apis mellifera) and cultured Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) from viral and parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G. Scott
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Kristin Michel
- Department of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | - Blair D. Siegfried
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | | | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Angela E. Douglas
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Author for correspondence: , Tel. 1-607-255-8539
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Etebari K, Asgari S. Conserved microRNA miR-8 blocks activation of the Toll pathway by upregulating Serpin 27 transcripts. RNA Biol 2013; 10:1356-64. [PMID: 23806890 DOI: 10.4161/rna.25481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) play significant regulatory roles in gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. This includes modulating processes such as development, immunity, cancer, and host-pathogen interactions. It was recently shown that the phylogenetically deeply conserved miRNA, miR-8, plays a role in maintaining the homeostasis of immunity by suppressing the production of anti-microbial peptides. In this study, we show that miR-8 from the insect Plutella xylostella positively regulates the transcript levels of the serine protease inhibitor Serpin 27, which has been shown to regulate activation of the Toll pathway and prophenoloxidase involved in the melanization response in insects. Interestingly, miR-8 is downregulated following parasitization by Diadegma semiclausum leading to significant declines in Serpin 27 transcript levels. This allows upregulation of antimicrobial peptides, such as gloverin, that are controlled by the Toll pathway and activation of proteolytic cascades essential for humoral immune responses to foreign invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayvan Etebari
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia, QLD Australia
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Gulley MM, Zhang X, Michel K. The roles of serpins in mosquito immunology and physiology. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 59:138-47. [PMID: 22960307 PMCID: PMC3560325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In vector-borne diseases, the complex interplay between pathogen and its vector's immune system determines the outcome of infection and therefore disease transmission. Serpins have been shown in many animals to be key regulators of innate immune reactions. Their control over regulatory proteolytic cascades ultimately decides whether the recognition of a pathogen will lead to an appropriate immune response. In mosquitoes, serpins (SRPNs) regulate the activation of prophenoloxidase and thus melanization, contribute to malaria parasite lysis, and likely Toll pathway activation. Additionally, in culicine mosquitoes, SRPNs are able to regulate hemostasis in the vertebrate host, suggesting a crucial role during bloodfeeding. This review summarizes the annotation, transcriptional regulation, and current knowledge of SRPN function in the three mosquito species for which the complete genome sequence is available. Additionally, we give a brief overview of how SRPNs may be used to prevent transmission of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristin Michel
- Corresponding author: tel.: +1 (785) 532-0161, fax: +1 (785) 532-6653;
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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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Caljon G, De Vooght L, Van Den Abbeele J. Options for the delivery of anti-pathogen molecules in arthropod vectors. J Invertebr Pathol 2012; 112 Suppl:S75-82. [PMID: 22841635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2012.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Blood feeding arthropods are responsible for the transmission of a large array of medically important infectious agents that include viruses, bacteria, protozoan parasites and helminths. The recent development of transgenic and paratransgenic technologies have enabled supplementing the immune system of these arthropod vectors with anti-pathogen effector molecules in view of compromising their vector competence for these microbial agents. The characteristics of the selected anti-pathogen compound will largely determine the efficacy and specificity of this approach. Low specificity will generally result in bystander effects, likely having a direct or indirect fitness cost for the arthropod. In contrast, the use of highly specific compounds from the adaptive immune system of vertebrates such as antibody derived fragments is more likely to enable highly specific effects without conferring a selective disadvantage to the (para)transgenic arthropods. Here, Nanobodies® are excellent candidates to increase the immune competence of arthropods. Moreover they were shown to exert a novel type of anti-pathogen activity that uniquely depends on their small size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Caljon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium.
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Validation of Aedes aegypti Aag-2 cells as a model for insect immune studies. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:148. [PMID: 22827926 PMCID: PMC3419682 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The understanding of mosquito immune responses can provide valuable tools for development of novel mosquito control strategies. Aiming the study at insect innate immunity, continuous insect cell lines have been established and used as research tools due to the fact that they constitute more homogeneous, sensitive, and reproducible systems than the insects from which they originated. More recently, Aag-2, an Aedes aegypti cell lineage, began to be frequently used as a model for studies of mosquito immunity. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, no study has systematically characterized the responses of Aag-2 cell line against different kinds of pathogens and compared its response to those exhibited by whole mosquitoes. For this reason, in this study we characterized gene expression profiles of the Aag-2 cell line in response to different kinds of immune challenges, such as Gram negative and positive bacteria, fungi and viruses, comparing the obtained results with the ones already described in the literature for whole mosquitoes. Methods Aedes aegypti Aag-2 cells were exposed to different immune stimuli (gram-positive and gram negative heat inactivated bacteria, zymosan or Sindbis virus) for 24 hours and the expression of selected marker genes from toll, IMD and Jak/STAT pathways was analyzed by qPCR. Also, cells were incubated with fluorescent latex beads for evaluation of its phagocytosis capacity. Results Aag-2 cells were stimulated with two concentrations of heat-killed Gram negative (Enterobacter cloacae) or Gram positive (Micrococcus luteus) bacteria, Zymosan or infected with Sindbis virus and the expression of key genes from the main immune related pathways, Toll, IMD and Jak/STAT, were investigated. Our results suggest that Toll and IMD pathways are activated in response to both Gram positive and negative bacteria and Zymosan in Aag-2 cells, displaying an immune profile similar to those described in the literature for whole mosquitoes. The same stimuli were also capable of activating Jak/STAT pathway in Aag-2 cells. Infection with Sindbis virus led to an up-regulation of the transcription factor STAT but was not able to induce the expression of any other gene from any of the pathways assayed. We also showed that this cell line is able to phagocytose latex beads in culture. Conclusions Our results characterize the expression profile of Aag-2 cells in response to different immune stimuli and demonstrate that this cell lineage is immune-competent and closely resembles the response described for whole Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Hence, our findings support the use of Aag-2 as a tool to comprehend Ae. aegypti immune response both at cellular and humoral levels.
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Wolbachia induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent activation of the Toll pathway to control dengue virus in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 109:E23-31. [PMID: 22123956 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1116932108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia are maternally transmitted symbiotic bacteria that can spread within insect populations because of their unique ability to manipulate host reproduction. When introduced to nonnative mosquito hosts, Wolbachia induce resistance to a number of human pathogens, including dengue virus (DENV), Plasmodium, and filarial nematodes, but the molecular mechanism involved is unclear. In this study, we have deciphered how Wolbachia infection affects the Aedes aegypti host in inducing resistance to DENV. The microarray assay indicates that transcripts of genes with functions related to immunity and reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions are up-regulated in Ae. aegypti infected with Wolbachia. Infection with this bacterium leads to induction of oxidative stress and an increased level of reactive oxygen species in its mosquito host. Reactive oxygen species elevation is linked to the activation of the Toll pathway, which is essential in mediating the expression of antioxidants to counterbalance oxidative stress. This immune pathway also is responsible for activation of antimicrobial peptides-defensins and cecropins. We provide evidence that these antimicrobial peptides are involved in inhibition of DENV proliferation in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes. Utilization of transgenic Ae. aegypti and the RNAi depletion approach has been instrumental in proving the role of defensins and cecropins in the resistance of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti to DENV. These results indicate that a symbiotic bacterium can manipulate the host defense system to facilitate its own persistent infection, resulting in a compromise of the mosquito's ability to host human pathogens. Our discoveries will aid in the development of control strategies for mosquito-transmitted diseases.
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Zou Z, Souza-Neto J, Xi Z, Kokoza V, Shin SW, Dimopoulos G, Raikhel A. Transcriptome analysis of Aedes aegypti transgenic mosquitoes with altered immunity. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002394. [PMID: 22114564 PMCID: PMC3219725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mosquito immune system is involved in pathogen-elicited defense responses. The NF-κB factors REL1 and REL2 are downstream transcription activators of Toll and IMD immune pathways, respectively. We have used genome-wide microarray analyses to characterize fat-body-specific gene transcript repertoires activated by either REL1 or REL2 in two transgenic strains of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Vitellogenin gene promoter was used in each transgenic strain to ectopically express either REL1 (REL1+) or REL2 (REL2+) in a sex, tissue, and stage specific manner. There was a significant change in the transcript abundance of 297 (79 up- and 218 down-regulated) and 299 (123 up- and 176 down-regulated) genes in fat bodies of REL1+ and REL2+, respectively. Over half of the induced genes had predicted functions in immunity, and a large group of these was co-regulated by REL1 and REL2. By generating a hybrid transgenic strain, which ectopically expresses both REL1 and REL2, we have shown a synergistic action of these NF-κB factors in activating immune genes. The REL1+ immune transcriptome showed a significant overlap with that of cactus (RNAi)-depleted mosquitoes (50%). In contrast, the REL2+ -regulated transcriptome differed from the relatively small group of gene transcripts regulated by RNAi depletion of a putative inhibitor of the IMD pathway, caspar (35 up- and 140 down-regulated), suggesting that caspar contributes to regulation of a subset of IMD-pathway controlled genes. Infections of the wild type Ae. aegypti with Plasmodium gallinaceum elicited the transcription of a distinct subset of immune genes (76 up- and 25 down-regulated) relative to that observed in REL1+ and REL2+ mosquitoes. Considerable overlap was observed between the fat body transcriptome of Plasmodium-infected mosquitoes and that of mosquitoes with transiently depleted PIAS, an inhibitor of the JAK-STAT pathway. PIAS gene silencing reduced Plasmodium proliferation in Ae. aegypti, indicating the involvement of the JAK-STAT pathway in anti-Plasmodium defense in this infection model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zou
- Department of Entomology and the Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jayme Souza-Neto
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vladimir Kokoza
- Department of Entomology and the Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Sang Woon Shin
- Department of Entomology and the Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexander Raikhel
- Department of Entomology and the Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
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Martins GF, Serrão JE, Ramalho-Ortigão JM, Pimenta PFP. A comparative study of fat body morphology in five mosquito species. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2011; 106:742-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762011000600015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Kokoza VA, Raikhel AS. Targeted gene expression in the transgenic Aedes aegypti using the binary Gal4-UAS system. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 41:637-44. [PMID: 21536128 PMCID: PMC3124619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we report the establishment of the binary Gal4/UAS system for the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. We utilized the 1.8-kb 5' upstream region of the vitellogenin gene (Vg) to genetically engineer mosquito lines with the Vg-Gal4 activator and established UAS-EGFP responder transgenic mosquito lines to evaluate the binary Gal4/UAS system. The results show that the Vg-Gal4 driver leads to a high level of tissue-, stage- and sex-specific expression of the EGFP reporter in the fat body of Vg-Gal4/UAS-EGFP hybrids after blood-meal activation. In addition, the applicability of this system to study hormonal regulation of gene expression was demonstrated in in vitro organ culture experiments in which the EGFP reporter was highly activated in isolated fat bodies of previtellogenic Vg-Gal4/UAS-EGFP females incubated in the presence of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Hence, this study has opened the door for further refinement of genetic tools in mosquitoes.
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Moon AE, Walker AJ, Goodbourn S. Regulation of transcription of the Aedes albopictus cecropin A1 gene: A role for p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 41:628-636. [PMID: 21501684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of the Aedes albopictus cecropin A1 promoter was studied to provide insight into the transcriptional control of this antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene in mosquitoes. Gene expression levels of cecropin A1 increased in A. albopictus C6/36 cells in response to heat-killed Escherichiacoli. Reporter gene assays incorporating -757 to +32 of the A. albopictus cecropin A1 promoter revealed that E. coli could induce expression in these cells with more pronounced expression than that seen with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Analysis of deletion constructs demonstrated that the 5' boundary of the regulatory region for the activation of this AMP was located between -173 and -64. Western blotting with anti-phospho-specific antibodies demonstrated that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were activated by LPS, whereas only p38 MAPK was activated by E. coli. Moreover, pharmacological experiments revealed that pre-incubation of cells with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 resulted in a striking activation of the cecropin A1 promoter following immune challenge, demonstrating that p38 MAPK negatively regulates cecropin A1 promoter activity. Finally the region required for the negative regulation by p38 MAPK was identified as being between -173 and -64. This report is the first to show involvement of the p38 MAPK pathway in the negative regulation of AMP production in a mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Moon
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
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Price DP, Nagarajan V, Churbanov A, Houde P, Milligan B, Drake LL, Gustafson JE, Hansen IA. The fat body transcriptomes of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, pre- and post- blood meal. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22573. [PMID: 21818341 PMCID: PMC3144915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fat body is the main organ of intermediary metabolism in insects and the principal source of hemolymph proteins. As part of our ongoing efforts to understand mosquito fat body physiology and to identify novel targets for insect control, we have conducted a transcriptome analysis of the fat body of Aedes aegypti before and in response to blood feeding. RESULTS We created two fat body non-normalized EST libraries, one from mosquito fat bodies non-blood fed (NBF) and another from mosquitoes 24 hrs post-blood meal (PBM). 454 pyrosequencing of the non-normalized libraries resulted in 204,578 useable reads from the NBF sample and 323,474 useable reads from the PBM sample. Alignment of reads to the existing reference Ae. aegypti transcript libraries for analysis of differential expression between NBF and PBM samples revealed 116,912 and 115,051 matches, respectively. De novo assembly of the reads from the NBF sample resulted in 15,456 contigs, and assembly of the reads from the PBM sample resulted in 15,010 contigs. Collectively, 123 novel transcripts were identified within these contigs. Prominently expressed transcripts in the NBF fat body library were represented by transcripts encoding ribosomal proteins. Thirty-five point four percent of all reads in the PBM library were represented by transcripts that encode yolk proteins. The most highly expressed were transcripts encoding members of the cathepsin b, vitellogenin, vitellogenic carboxypeptidase, and vitelline membrane protein families. CONCLUSION The two fat body transcriptomes were considerably different from each other in terms of transcript expression in terms of abundances of transcripts and genes expressed. They reflect the physiological shift of the pre-feeding fat body from a resting state to vitellogenic gene expression after feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P. Price
- The Molecular Biology Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Vijayaraj Nagarajan
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch (BCBB), OCICB/OSMO/OD/NIAID/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexander Churbanov
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
- The Roadrunner Sequencing Lab, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Peter Houde
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
- The Roadrunner Sequencing Lab, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Brook Milligan
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
- The Roadrunner Sequencing Lab, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Lisa L. Drake
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - John E. Gustafson
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
- The Molecular Biology Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Immo A. Hansen
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
- The Institute of Applied Biosciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
- The Molecular Biology Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America
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Abstract
Throughout their lifetime, mosquitoes are exposed to pathogens during feeding, through breaks in their cuticle and following pathogen-driven cuticular degradation. To resist infection, mosquitoes mount innate cellular and humoral immune responses that are elicited within minutes of exposure and can lead to pathogen death via three broadly defined mechanisms: lysis, melanization and hemocyte-mediated phagocytosis. This chapter reviews our current understanding of the mosquito immune system, with an emphasis on the physical barriers that prevent pathogens from entering the body, the organs and tissues that regulate immune responses and the mechanistic and molecular bases of immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
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Profile of Alexander S. Raikhel. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:22381-3. [DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1018340108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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50
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An C, Kanost MR. Manduca sexta serpin-5 regulates prophenoloxidase activation and the Toll signaling pathway by inhibiting hemolymph proteinase HP6. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 40:683-9. [PMID: 20624461 PMCID: PMC2933306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2010.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Revised: 07/01/2010] [Accepted: 07/04/2010] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Insect immune responses include prophenoloxidase (proPO) activation and Toll pathway initiation, which are mediated by serine proteinase cascades and regulated by serpins. Manduca sexta hemolymph proteinase-6 (HP6) is a component of both pathways. It cleaves and activates proPO activating proteinase 1 (PAP1) and hemolymph proteinase-8 (HP8), which activates proSpätzle. Inhibitors of HP6 could have the capability of regulating both of these innate immune proteinase cascade pathways. Covalent complexes of HP6 with serpin-4 and serpin-5 were previously isolated from M. sexta plasma using immunoaffinity chromatography with serpin antibodies. We investigated the inhibition of purified, recombinant HP6 by serpin-4 and serpin-5. Both serpin-4 and serpin-5 formed SDS-stable complexes with HP6 in vitro, and they inhibited the activation of proHP8 and proPAP1. Serpin-5 inhibited HP6 more efficiently than did serpin-4. Injection of serpin-5 into larvae resulted in decreased bacteria-induced antimicrobial activity in hemolymph and reduced the bacteria-induced expression of attacin, cecropin and hemolin genes in fat body. Injection of serpin-4 had a weaker effect on antimicrobial peptide expression. These results indicate that serpin-5 may regulate the activity of HP6 to modulate proPO activation and antimicrobial peptide production during immune responses of M. sexta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunju An
- Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Michael R. Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
- Corresponding author: Tel.: +1 785 532 6964 Fax: +1 785 532 7278
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