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Miyashita A, Miyauchi M, Tabuchi F. The prospects of automation in drug discovery research using silkworms. Drug Discov Ther 2024; 18:130-133. [PMID: 38569832 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2024.01013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
We have established several models of infectious diseases in silkworms to explore disease-causing mechanisms and identify new antimicrobial substances. These models involve injecting laboratory-cultured pathogens into silkworms and monitoring their survival over a period of days. The use of silkworms is advantageous because they are cost-effective and raise fewer ethical concerns than mammalian subjects, allowing for larger experimental group sizes. To capitalize on these benefits, there is a growing importance in mechanizing and automating the experimental processes that currently require manual labor. This paper discusses the future of laboratory automation, specifically through the mechanization and automation of silkworm-based experimental procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fumiaki Tabuchi
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Wang G, Jiang G, Peng R, Wang Y, Li J, Sima Y, Xu S. Multi-omics integrative analysis revealed characteristic changes in blood cell immunity and amino acid metabolism in a silkworm model of hyperproteinemia. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128809. [PMID: 38128801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128809] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Hyperproteinemia is a serious metabolic disease of both humans and animals characterized by an abnormally high plasma protein concentration (HPPC). Although hyperproteinemia can cause an imbalance in blood cell homeostasis, the functional changes to blood cells remain unclear. Here, a HPPC silkworm model was used to assess changes to the chromatin accessibility and transcript levels of genes related to blood cell metabolism and immune function. The results showed that HPPC enhanced phagocytosis of blood cells, increased chromatin accessibility and transcript levels of genes involved in cell phagocytosis, proliferation, stress, and programmed death, while genes associated with aromatic amino acid metabolism, and antibacterial peptide synthesis were inhibited in blood cells. Further analysis of the chromatin accessibility of the promoter region found that the high chromatin accessibility of genes sensitive to HPPC, was related to histone modifications, including tri-methylation of lysine residue 4 of histone H3 and acetylation of lysine residue 27 of histone H3. Changes to the chromatin accessibility and transcript levels of genes related to immune function and amino acid metabolism in the blood cells of the HPPC silkworm model provided useful references for future studies of the mechanisms underlying epigenomic regulation mediated by hyperproteinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Guihua Jiang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ruji Peng
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jianglan Li
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yanghu Sima
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shiqing Xu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology & Ecology (IABE), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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3
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Intracellular cytokine detection based on flow cytometry in hemocytes from Galleria mellonella larvae: A new protocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274120. [PMID: 36173940 PMCID: PMC9521830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Invertebrates are becoming increasingly popular models for research on the immune system. The innate immunity possessed by insects shows both structural and functional similarity to the resistance displayed by mammals, and many processes occurring in insect hemocytes are similar to those that occur in mammals. However, the use of insects as research models requires the development of methods for working with hemocytes. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol for intracellular cytokine detection in Galleria mellonella larvae hemocytes based on flow cytometry. It describes the anticoagulant composition of the buffer, the optimal conditions for hemocyte permeabilization and fixation, as well as the conditions of cell centrifugation to prevent cell disintegration. A key element is the selection of staining conditions, especially the length of the incubation time with the primary antibody, which turned out to be much longer than recommended for mammalian cells. The development of these individual steps allowed for the creation of a reproducible protocol for cytokine detection using flow cytometry in wax moth hemocytes. This will certainly facilitate the development of further protocols allowing for wider use of insect cells in immunological research.
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4
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Saini J, Kaur P, Malik N, Lakhawat SS, Sharma PK. Antimicrobial peptides: A promising tool to combat multidrug resistance in SARS CoV2 era. Microbiol Res 2022; 265:127206. [PMID: 36162150 PMCID: PMC9491010 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), a life-threatening viral infection, is caused by a highly pathogenic virus named SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). Currently, no treatment is available for COVID-19; hence there is an urgent need to find effective therapeutic drugs to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the fact that the world is facing a major issue of antimicrobial drug resistance, naturally occurring compounds have the potential to achieve this goal. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring antimicrobial agents which are effective against a wide variety of microbial infections. Therefore, the use of AMPs is an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review sheds light on the potential of antimicrobial peptides as antiviral agents followed by a comprehensive description of effective antiviral peptides derived from various natural sources found to be effective against SARS-CoV and other respiratory viruses. It also highlights the mechanisms of action of antiviral peptides with special emphasis on their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen Saini
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Pritpal Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Naveen Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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5
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Aiello D, Giglio A, Talarico F, Vommaro ML, Tagarelli A, Napoli A. Mass Spectrometry-Based Peptide Profiling of Haemolymph from Pterostichus melas Exposed to Pendimethalin Herbicide. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144645. [PMID: 35889523 PMCID: PMC9315633 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pendimethalin-based herbicides are used worldwide for pre-emergence selective control of annual grasses and weeds in croplands. The endurance of herbicides residues in the environment has an impact on the soil biodiversity and fertility, also affecting non-target species, including terrestrial invertebrates. Carabid beetles are known as natural pest control agents in the soil food web of agroecosystems, and feed on invertebrates and weed seeds. Here, a mass spectrometry untargeted profiling of haemolymph is used to investigate Pterostichus melas metabolic response after to pendimethalin-based herbicide exposure. Mass spectrometric data are examined with statistical approaches, such as principal component analysis, for possible correlation with biological effects. Those signals with high correlation are submitted to tandem mass spectrometry to identify the associated biomarker. The time course exposure showed many interesting findings, including a significant downregulation of related to immune and defense peptides (M-lycotoxin-Ls4a, Peptide hormone 1, Paralytic peptide 2, and Serine protease inhibitor 2). Overall, the observed peptide deregulations concur with the general mechanism of uptake and elimination of toxicants reported for Arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Aiello
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.A.); (A.T.)
| | - Anita Giglio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (A.G.); (F.T.); (M.L.V.)
| | - Federica Talarico
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (A.G.); (F.T.); (M.L.V.)
| | - Maria Luigia Vommaro
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (A.G.); (F.T.); (M.L.V.)
| | - Antonio Tagarelli
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.A.); (A.T.)
| | - Anna Napoli
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.A.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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Guan R, Hu S, Li X, An S, Miao X, Li H. A TIL-Type Serine Protease Inhibitor Involved in Humoral Immune Response of Asian Corn Borer Ostrinia furnaculis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:900129. [PMID: 35651613 PMCID: PMC9149172 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.900129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To elucidate the application value of insect endogenous protease and its inhibitor genes in pest control, we analyzed in detail the transcriptome sequence of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis. We obtained 12 protease genes and 11 protease inhibitor genes, and comprehensively analyzed of their spatiotemporal expression by qRT-PCR. In which, a previous unstudied serine protease inhibitor gene attracted our attention. It belongs to the canonical serine proteinase inhibitor family, a trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine-rich domain (TIL)-type protease inhibitor, but its TIL domain lacks two cysteine residues, and it was named as ACB-TIL. Its expression level is relatively very low in the absence of pathogen stimulation, and can be up-regulated expression induced by Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), virus (BmNPV), and dsRNA (dsEGFP), but cannot be induced by fungus spores (Metarrhizium anisopliae). Prokaryotic expressed ACB-TIL protein can significantly inhibit the melanization in vitro. Injecting this protein into insect body can inhibit the production of antimicrobial peptides of attacin, lebocin and gloverin. Inhibition of ACB-TIL by RNAi can cause the responses of other immune-, protease- and inhibitor-related genes. ACB-TIL is primarily involved in Asian corn borer humoral immunity in responses to Gram-negative bacteria and viruses. This gene can be a potential target for pest control since this will mainly affect insect immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobing Guan
- Henan International Laboratory for Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoru Hu
- Biobank of Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Henan International Laboratory for Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiheng An
- Henan International Laboratory for Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuexia Miao
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Haichao Li
- Henan International Laboratory for Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
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7
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Peanut triacylglycerols activate innate immunity both in insects and mammals. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7464. [PMID: 35523841 PMCID: PMC9076670 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11494-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated immunoreactivity of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) oil using the silkworm (Bombyx mori) model. The peanut oil induced melanin formation when injected to the silkworm hemocoel. We then purified the active substance and identified the triacylglycerols (TAGs) as the responsible molecule for the melanin-forming effect of peanut oil. Also, the peanut TAGs induced the muscle contraction of the silkworm (i.e., cleavage of the insect cytokine BmPP) and the TNF-α production by cultured mouse macrophage cells. The muscle contraction activity of the peanut TAGs was reduced by saponification reaction, indicating that the TAG (not the degraded fatty acids) moiety is responsible for the activity. The muscle contraction effects of other TAGs of olive, lard, and beef oil were comparable with that of peanut TAGs. Nevertheless, for the melanin formation, the effect of peanut TAGs was outstanding. The fatty acid composition of peanut TAGs was distinct from that of olive TAGs. These results suggest that TAGs are immunoreactive and induces cytokines both in insect and mammalian immune systems. Also, the differential effects of peanut and olive TAGs for the melanin formation may suggest that TAGs with different fatty acid compositions are distinguished by the immune system.
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Roy MC, Nam K, Kim J, Stanley D, Kim Y. Thromboxane Mobilizes Insect Blood Cells to Infection Foci. Front Immunol 2022; 12:791319. [PMID: 34987515 PMCID: PMC8720849 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune responses are effective for insect survival to defend against entomopathogens including a fungal pathogen, Metarhizium rileyi, that infects a lepidopteran Spodoptera exigua. In particular, the fungal virulence was attenuated by cellular immune responses, in which the conidia were phagocytosed by hemocytes (insect blood cells) and hyphal growth was inhibited by hemocyte encapsulation. However, the chemokine signal to drive hemocytes to the infection foci was little understood. The hemocyte behaviors appeared to be guided by a Ca2+ signal stimulating cell aggregation to the infection foci. The induction of the Ca2+ signal was significantly inhibited by the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor. Under the inhibitory condition, the addition of thromboxane A2 or B2 (TXA2 or TXB2) among COX products was the most effective to recover the Ca2+ signal and hemocyte aggregation. TXB2 alone induced a microaggregation behavior of hemocytes under in vitro conditions. Indeed, TXB2 titer was significantly increased in the plasma of the infected larvae. The elevated TXB2 level was further supported by the induction of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in the hemocytes and subsequent up-regulation of COX-like peroxinectins (SePOX-F and SePOX-H) in response to the fungal infection. Finally, the expression of a thromboxane synthase (Se-TXAS) gene was highly expressed in the hemocytes. RNA interference (RNAi) of Se-TXAS expression inhibited the Ca2+ signal and hemocyte aggregation around fungal hyphae, which were rescued by the addition of TXB2. Without any ortholog to mammalian thromboxane receptors, a prostaglandin receptor was essential to mediate TXB2 signal to elevate the Ca2+ signal and mediate hemocyte aggregation behavior. Specific inhibitor assays suggest that the downstream signal after binding TXB2 to the receptor follows the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release pathway from the endoplasmic reticulum of the hemocytes. These results suggest that hemocyte aggregation induced by the fungal infection is triggered by TXB2via a Ca2+ signal through a PG receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miltan Chandra Roy
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
| | - Kiwoong Nam
- DGIMI, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Jaesu Kim
- Department of Agricultural Convergence Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - David Stanley
- Biological Control of Insect Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Station (USDA/ARS), Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
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Paudel A, Furuta Y, Higashi H. Silkworm model for Bacillus anthracis infection and virulence determination. Virulence 2021; 12:2285-2295. [PMID: 34490836 PMCID: PMC8425766 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1965830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is an obligate pathogen and a causative agent of anthrax. Its major virulence factors are plasmid-coded; however, recent studies have revealed chromosome-encoded virulence factors, indicating that the current understanding of its virulence mechanism is elusive and needs further investigation. In this study, we established a silkworm (Bombyx mori) infection model of B. anthracis. We showed that silkworms were killed by B. anthracis Sterne and cured of the infection when administered with antibiotics. We quantitatively determined the lethal dose of the bacteria that kills 50% larvae and effective doses of antibiotics that cure 50% infected larvae. Furthermore, we demonstrated that B. anthracis mutants with disruption in virulence genes such as pagA, lef, and atxA had attenuated silkworm-killing ability and reduced colonization in silkworm hemolymph. The silkworm infection model established in this study can be utilized in large-scale infection experiments to identify novel virulence determinants and develop novel therapeutic options against B. anthracis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atmika Paudel
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Furuta
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hideaki Higashi
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Regulators and signalling in insect antimicrobial innate immunity: Functional molecules and cellular pathways. Cell Signal 2021; 83:110003. [PMID: 33836260 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Insects possess an immune system that protects them from attacks by various pathogenic microorganisms that would otherwise threaten their survival. Immune mechanisms may deal directly with the pathogens by eliminating them from the host organism or disarm them by suppressing the synthesis of toxins and virulence factors that promote the invasion and destructive action of the intruder within the host. Insects have been established as outstanding models for studying immune system regulation because innate immunity can be explored as an integrated system at the level of the whole organism. Innate immunity in insects consists of basal immunity that controls the constitutive synthesis of effector molecules such as antimicrobial peptides, and inducible immunity that is activated after detection of a microbe or its product(s). Activation and coordination of innate immune defenses in insects involve evolutionary conserved immune factors. Previous research in insects has led to the identification and characterization of distinct immune signalling pathways that modulate the response to microbial infections. This work has not only advanced the field of insect immunology, but it has also rekindled interest in the innate immune system of mammals. Here we review the current knowledge on key molecular components of insect immunity and discuss the opportunities they present for confronting infectious diseases in humans.
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Wang F. Sending Out Alarms: A Perspective on Intercellular Communications in Insect Antiviral Immune Response. Front Immunol 2021; 12:613729. [PMID: 33708207 PMCID: PMC7940532 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.613729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infection triggers insect immune response, including RNA interference, apoptosis and autophagy, and profoundly changes the gene expression profiles in infected cells. Although intracellular degradation is crucial for restricting viral infection, intercellular communication is required to mount a robust systemic immune response. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the intercellular communications in insect antiviral immunity, including protein-based and virus-derived RNA based cell-cell communications, with emphasis on the signaling pathway that induces the production of the potential cytokines. The prospects and challenges of future work are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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12
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Alvarado-Delgado A, Martínez-Barnetche J, Téllez-Sosa J, Rodríguez MH, Gutiérrez-Millán E, Zumaya-Estrada FA, Saldaña-Navor V, Rodríguez MC, Tello-López Á, Lanz-Mendoza H. Prediction of neuropeptide precursors and differential expression of adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide, hugin and corazonin in the brain of malaria vector Nyssorhynchus albimanus during a Plasmodium berghei infection. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 1:100014. [PMID: 36003598 PMCID: PMC9387463 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2021.100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
We describe precursors that predicted at least sixty neuropeptides in Ny. albimanus. At least 16 precursors are encoded in the Ny. albimanus brain. Myosuppressin neuropeptide precursor was identified in Ny albimanus. acp and hugin transcripts increased in Ny. albimanus brains infected with P. berghei.
Insect neuropeptides, play a central role in the control of many physiological processes. Based on an analysis of Nyssorhynchus albimanus brain transcriptome a neuropeptide precursor database of the mosquito was described. Also, we observed that adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (ACP), hugin and corazonin encoding genes were differentially expressed during Plasmodium infection. Transcriptomic data from Ny. albimanus brain identified 29 pre-propeptides deduced from the sequences that allowed the prediction of at least 60 neuropeptides. The predicted peptides include isoforms of allatostatin C, orcokinin, corazonin, adipokinetic hormone (AKH), SIFamide, capa, hugin, pigment-dispersing factor, adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (ACP), tachykinin-related peptide, trissin, neuropeptide F, diuretic hormone 31, bursicon, crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), allatotropin, allatostatin A, ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH), diuretic hormone 44 (Dh44), insulin-like peptides (ILPs) and eclosion hormone (EH). The analysis of the genome of An. albimanus and the generated transcriptome, provided evidence for the identification of myosuppressin neuropeptide precursor. A quantitative analysis documented increased expression of precursors encoding ACP peptide, hugin and corazonin in the mosquito brain after Plasmodium berghei infection. This work represents an initial effort to characterize the neuropeptide precursors repertoire of Ny. albimanus and provides information for understanding neuroregulation of the mosquito response during Plasmodium infection.
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Liu W, Wang Y, Leng Z, Wang Q, Duan X, Luo Y, Jiang Y, Qin L. Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in midgut immunity under microsporidian infection in Antheraea pernyi. Mol Immunol 2020; 126:65-72. [PMID: 32768860 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The insect gut participates in initial local immune responses by producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as well as anti-microbial peptides to resist pathogenic invasions. Nitric oxide (NO), a signaling and an immune effector molecule synthesized by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS), mediates an early step of the signal transduction pathway. In this study, we evaluated NO levels after Nosema pernyi infection in Antheraea pernyi gut. NOS activity was higher in the microsporidia-infected gut of A. pernyi than in that of control. Three NOS-related genes were cloned, and their spatio-temporal expression patterns were evaluated. ApNOS2 was expressed quickly in the midgut after N. pernyi infection. Sodium nitroprusside, dihydrate (SNP), or Nω-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester, hydrochloride (L-NAME), altered the NO content in A. pernyi midgut. Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) in the groups exposed to N. pernyi plus SNP and N. pernyi plus L-NAME exhibited higher and lower expression, respectively, relative to the control. These results indicate that microsporidia infection triggers short-term activation of NO and NOS genes in the A. pernyi gut that is downregulated after 24 h. Notably, infection rates can be influenced by a NOS inhibitor. Furthermore, NO can be induced by pathogens. Similarly, NO content in the A. pernyi gut also influences AMPs in humoral immunity and some immune-related genes. Our results suggest that nitric oxide plays a vital role in A. pernyi gut immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Engineering and Technology Research Center for Insect Resource, Shenyang 110866, PR China; Sericultural Research Institute of Liaoning Province, Fengcheng 118100, PR China
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Engineering and Technology Research Center for Insect Resource, Shenyang 110866, PR China.
| | - Zheming Leng
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Engineering and Technology Research Center for Insect Resource, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Engineering and Technology Research Center for Insect Resource, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Duan
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Engineering and Technology Research Center for Insect Resource, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Yutong Luo
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Engineering and Technology Research Center for Insect Resource, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Yiren Jiang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Engineering and Technology Research Center for Insect Resource, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Li Qin
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning Engineering and Technology Research Center for Insect Resource, Shenyang 110866, PR China.
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Hungund SP, Pradeep ANR, Makwana P, Sagar C, Mishra RK. Cellular defence and innate immunity in the larval ovarian disc and differentiated ovariole of the silkworm Bombyx moriinduced by microsporidian infection. INVERTEBR REPROD DEV 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/07924259.2019.1669727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pooja Makwana
- Proteomics Division, Seribiotech Research Laboratory, CSB-Kodathi Campus, Bangalore, India
| | - Chandrashekhar Sagar
- Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore- 560029, India
| | - Rakesh K. Mishra
- Proteomics Division, Seribiotech Research Laboratory, CSB-Kodathi Campus, Bangalore, India
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15
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Nesa J, Sadat A, Buccini DF, Kati A, Mandal AK, Franco OL. Antimicrobial peptides fromBombyx mori: a splendid immune defense response in silkworms. RSC Adv 2020; 10:512-523. [PMID: 35492565 PMCID: PMC9047522 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra06864c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bombyx mori L., a primary producer of silk, is the main tool in the sericulture industry and provides the means of livelihood to a large number of people. Silk cocoon crop losses due to bacterial infection pose a major threat to the sericulture industry. Bombyx mori L., a silkworm of the mulberry type, has a sophisticated inherent innate immune mechanism to combat such invasive pathogens. Among all the components in this defense system, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are notable due to their specificity towards the invading pathogens without harming the normal host cells. Bombyx mori L. so far has had AMPs identified that belong to six different families, namely cecropin, defensin, moricin, gloverin, attacin and lebocin, which are produced by the Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) pathways. Their diverse modes of action depend on microbial pathogens and are still under investigation. This review examines the recent progress in understanding the immune defense mechanism of Bombyx mori based on AMPs. AMPs produced by B. mori induced by microbial challenge in the fat body.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannatun Nesa
- Chemical Biology Laboratory
- Department of Sericulture
- Raiganj University
- India
| | - Abdul Sadat
- Insect Ecology and Conservation Biology Laboratory
- Department of Sericulture
- Raiganj University
- India
| | - Danieli F. Buccini
- S-INOVA Biotech, Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology
- Catholic University Dom Bosco
- Campo Grande
- Brazil
| | - Ahmet Kati
- Biotechnology Department
- Institution of Health Science
- University of Health Science
- Istanbul
- Turkey
| | - Amit K. Mandal
- Chemical Biology Laboratory
- Department of Sericulture
- Raiganj University
- India
- Centre for Nanotechnology Sciences
| | - Octavio L. Franco
- S-INOVA Biotech, Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology
- Catholic University Dom Bosco
- Campo Grande
- Brazil
- Center of Proteomic and Biochemical Analysis
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16
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Yoon S, Wong NAK, Chae M, Auh JH. Comparative Characterization of Protein Hydrolysates from Three Edible Insects: Mealworm Larvae, Adult Crickets, and Silkworm Pupae. Foods 2019; 8:foods8110563. [PMID: 31717478 PMCID: PMC6915536 DOI: 10.3390/foods8110563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A comparative characterization of proteins from three edible insects—Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) larvae, Gryllus bimaculatus (cricket), and Bombyx mori (silkworm) pupae—was performed in this study. Proteins were extracted from edible insects and their hydrolysates were prepared through enzymatic hydrolysis with commercial enzymes (Flavourzyme: 12%; Alcalase: 3%). Solubility was significantly higher following enzymatic hydrolysis, while foamability was lower compared to those of the protein control. Angiotensin-converting enzyme was significantly inhibited after enzymatic hydrolysis, especially following Alcalase treatment, with IC50 values of 0.047, 0.066, and 0.065 mg/mL for G. bimaculatus, T. molitor larvae, and B. mori pupae, respectively. Moreover, the Alcalase-treated group of B. mori pupae and the T. molitor larvae group treated with a mixture of enzymes showed the effective inhibition of α-glucosidase activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of the insect hydrolysates was assessed via nitric oxide production from macrophages, and B. mori pupae samples exhibited significant activity regardless of the method of hydrolysis. These results indicate the functional properties of protein and hydrolysates from three species of edible insects, which may be useful in their future exploitation.
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17
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Kamal F, Peters DL, McCutcheon JG, Dunphy GB, Dennis JJ. Use of Greater Wax Moth Larvae (Galleria mellonella) as an Alternative Animal Infection Model for Analysis of Bacterial Pathogenesis. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1898:163-171. [PMID: 30570731 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8940-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Alternative infection models of bacterial pathogenesis are useful because they reproduce some of the disease characteristics observed in higher animals. Insect models are especially useful for modeling bacterial infections, as they are inexpensive, generally less labor-intensive, and more ethically acceptable than experimentation on higher organisms. Similar to animals, insects have been shown to possess innate immune systems that respond to pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Kamal
- Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Danielle L Peters
- Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jaclyn G McCutcheon
- Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gary B Dunphy
- Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan J Dennis
- Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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18
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Widana Gamage SMK, Rotenberg D, Schneweis DJ, Tsai CW, Dietzgen RG. Transcriptome-wide responses of adult melon thrips (Thrips palmi) associated with capsicum chlorosis virus infection. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208538. [PMID: 30532222 PMCID: PMC6286046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrips palmi is a widely distributed major agricultural pest in the tropics and subtropics, causing significant losses in cucurbit and solanaceous crops through feeding damage and transmission of tospoviruses. Thrips palmi is a vector of capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) in Australia. The present understanding of transmission biology and potential effects of CaCV on T. palmi is limited. To gain insights into molecular responses to CaCV infection, we performed RNA-Seq to identify thrips transcripts that are differentially-abundant during virus infection of adults. De-novo assembly of the transcriptome generated from whole bodies of T. palmi adults generated 166,445 contigs, of which ~24% contained a predicted open reading frame. We identified 1,389 differentially-expressed (DE) transcripts, with comparable numbers up- (708) and down-regulated (681) in virus-exposed thrips compared to non-exposed thrips. Approximately 59% of these DE transcripts had significant matches to NCBI non-redundant proteins (Blastx) and Blast2GO identified provisional functional categories among the up-regulated transcripts in virus-exposed thrips including innate immune response-related genes, salivary gland and/or gut-associated genes and vitellogenin genes. The majority of the immune-related proteins are known to serve functions in lysosome activity and melanisation in insects. Most of the up-regulated oral and extra-oral digestion-associated genes appear to be involved in digestion of proteins, lipids and plant cell wall components which may indirectly enhance the likelihood or frequency of virus transmission or may be involved in the regulation of host defence responses. Most of the down-regulated transcripts fell into the gene ontology functional category of 'structural constituent of cuticle'. Comparison to DE genes responsive to tomato spotted wilt virus in Frankliniella occidentalis indicates conservation of some thrips molecular responses to infection by different tospoviruses. This study assembled the first transcriptome in the genus Thrips and provides important data to broaden our understanding of networks of molecular interactions between thrips and tospoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirani M. K. Widana Gamage
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dorith Rotenberg
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Derek J. Schneweis
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
| | - Chi-Wei Tsai
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ralf G. Dietzgen
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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19
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Gao Q, Yang L, Dai J, Yuan G, Wang L, Qian C, Zhu B, Liu C, Wei G. Characterization and functional analysis of serpin-28 gene from silkworm, Bombyx mori. J Invertebr Pathol 2018; 159:18-27. [PMID: 30473012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (Serpins) are a broadly distributed superfamily of proteins with a SERPIN domain and participate in several immune responses. In this study, a serpin-28 gene was identified in B. mori and its role in immune regulation was investigated. This gene has an open reading frame of 1065 bp that encodes a 354-amino acid residue polypeptide containing one SERPIN domain with a predicted molecular weight of 40.3 kDa. Recombinant Bmserpin-28 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and used to raise rabbit anti-Bmserpin-28 polyclonal antibodies. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that Bmserpin-28 was expressed in all examined tissues, with maximum expression in the fat body and silk gland. Expression pattern of different developmental stages showed that the highest expression level was in the pupae, while the lowest expression level was recorded at the egg stage. After challenge with four different microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus and B. mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus), the expression pattern of Bmserpin-28 was investigated in fat body and haemocyte samples. A substantial upregulation of Bmserpin-28 expression level was recorded following pathogen challenge in both the tested tissues. Furthermore, RNA interference of Bmserpin-28 resulted in significant upregulation of antimicrobial peptide genes. In summary, our results indicated that Bmserpin-28 may be involved in the innate immunity of B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Liangli Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Junjun Dai
- Sericultural Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, PR China
| | - Guozhen Yuan
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Cen Qian
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Baojian Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Chaoliang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Guoqing Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China.
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20
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Masuda Y, Tanaka R, Ganesan A, Doi T. Systematic Analysis of the Relationship among 3D Structure, Bioactivity, and Membrane Permeability of PF1171F, a Cyclic Hexapeptide with Paralyzing Effects on Silkworms. J Org Chem 2018; 82:11447-11463. [PMID: 28981274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.7b01975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PF1171 hexapeptides, a family of cyclic hexapeptides produced by fungi, exhibit paralyzing effects on the larvae of silkworms via oral administration. To elucidate the structural features of PF1171 hexapeptides that are crucial for bioactivity, the relationship among 3D structure, bioactivity, and membrane permeability of PF1171F (the peptide with the highest bioavailability) was systematically analyzed through the synthesis of 22 analogues. The PF1171F analogues were prepared by the solid-phase synthesis of a linear precursor and subsequent solution-phase macrolactamization. Analysis by NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling indicated that the major 3D conformations of PF1171F in various solvents resemble its X-ray crystal structure. The analogues with this conformation tend to exhibit potent paralysis against silkworms, indicating the significance of the conformation in the paralysis. The biological activity was dependent on the mode of administration, varying between hemolymph injection and oral administration. Parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) of the analogues revealed a correlation between membrane permeabilities and paralytic activity by hemolymph injection, indicating that the target molecule of PF1171F is present inside the cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Masuda
- Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University , 1577 Kurimamachiya-cho, Tsu 514-8507, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University , 6-3 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ren Tanaka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University , 6-3 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - A Ganesan
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Takayuki Doi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University , 6-3 Aza-Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
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21
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Chen K, Lu Z. Immune responses to bacterial and fungal infections in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:3-11. [PMID: 29289612 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The silkworm Bombyx mori, an economically important insect that is usually reared indoors, is susceptible to various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and microsporidia. As with other insects, the silkworm lacks an adaptive immune system and relies solely on innate immunity to defend itself against infection. Compared to other intensively studied insects, such as the fruit fly and tobacco hornworm, the principal immune pathways in the silkworm remain unclear. In this article, we review the literature concerning silkworm immune responses to bacteria and fungi and present our perspectives on future research into silkworm immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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22
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Urai M, Aizawa T, Imamura K, Hamamoto H, Sekimizu K. Characterization of the chemical structure and innate immune-stimulating activity of an extracellular polysaccharide from Rhizobium sp. strain M2 screened using a silkworm muscle contraction assay. Drug Discov Ther 2017; 11:238-245. [PMID: 29021503 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2017.01045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We screened innate immunostimulant-producing bacteria using a silkworm muscle contraction assay, and isolated Rhizobium sp. strain M2 from soil. We purified the innate immunostimulant from strain M2, and characterized the chemical structure by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and chemical analyses. The innate immunostimulant (M2 EPS) comprised glucose, galactose, pyruvic acid, and succinic acid with a molar ratio of 6.8:1.0:0.9:0.4, and had a succinoglycan-like high molecular-weight heteropolysaccharide structure. To determine the structural motif involved in the innate immunostimulating activity, we modified the M2 EPS structure chemically, and found that the activity was increased by removal of the succinic and pyruvic acid substitutions. Strong acid hydrolysis completely inactivated the M2 EPS. Unmasking of the β-1,3/6-glucan structure of the side-chain by deacylation and depyruvylation may enhance the innate immune-stimulating activity of M2 EPS. These findings suggest that the succinoglycan-like polysaccharide purified from strain M2 has innate immune-stimulating activity, and its glycan structure is necessary for the activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Urai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo.,Department of Chemistry for Life Sciences and Agriculture, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture
| | - Tomoko Aizawa
- Department of Bioscience in Daily Life, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University
| | - Katsutoshi Imamura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University
| | - Hiroshi Hamamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo.,Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology
| | - Kazuhisa Sekimizu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo.,Genome Pharmaceuticals Institute Co., Ltd.,Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology
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23
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Romoli O, Saviane A, Bozzato A, D'Antona P, Tettamanti G, Squartini A, Cappellozza S, Sandrelli F. Differential sensitivity to infections and antimicrobial peptide-mediated immune response in four silkworm strains with different geographical origin. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1048. [PMID: 28432358 PMCID: PMC5430696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01162-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori has an innate immune system, whose main effectors are the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Silkworm strains are commonly grouped into four geographical types (Japanese, Chinese, European and Tropical) and are generally characterised by a variable susceptibility to infections. To clarify the genetic and molecular mechanisms on which the different responses to infections are based, we exposed one silkworm strain for each geographical area to oral infections with the silkworm pathogens Enterococcus mundtii or Serratia marcescens. We detected a differential susceptibility to both bacteria, with the European strain displaying the lowest sensitivity to E. mundtii and the Indian one to S. marcescens. We found that all the strains were able to activate the AMP response against E. mundtii. However, the highest tolerance of the European strain appeared to be related to the specific composition of its AMP cocktail, containing more effective variants such as a peculiar Cecropin B6 isoform. The resistance of the Indian strain to S. marcescens seemed to be associated with its prompt capability to activate the systemic transcription of AMPs. These data suggest that B. mori strains with distinct genetic backgrounds employ different strategies to counteract bacterial infections, whose efficacy appears to be pathogen-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Romoli
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessio Saviane
- CREA - Honey Bee and Silkworm Research Unit, Padova Seat, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Bozzato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola D'Antona
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Andrea Squartini
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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24
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Li G, Zhou Q, Qiu L, Yao Q, Chen K, Tang Q, Hu Z. Serine protease Bm-SP142 was differentially expressed in resistant and susceptible Bombyx mori strains, involving in the defence response to viral infection. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175518. [PMID: 28414724 PMCID: PMC5393580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bm-SP142 is a 35 kDa protease in the silkworm, but its exact functions remain unknown. In this study, sequence alignment revealed that the His-Asp-Ser catalytic triad is embedded in the TAAHC-DIAL-GDSGGP sequence motif, establishing Bm-SP142 as a serine protease. Soluble recombinant GST-BmSP142 was expressed and purified, and serine protease activity was confirmed in vitro. RT-qPCR results indicated that Bm-SP142 was mainly expressed in the middle part of the silkworm midgut, and Bm-SP142 transcripts were significantly up-regulated at 24 hours post infection (hpi) in BmBDV-resistant strains (798) inoculated with BmBDV and BmNPV-resistant strains (NB) inoculated with BmNPV, but not in BmBDV-susceptible strains (306). Surprisingly, transcripts were significantly down-regulated at 12 hpi in BmNPV-susceptible strains (HuaBa 35) inoculated with BmNPV, compared with healthy silkworms. Recombinant BmNPV treated with purified Bm-SP142 effectively impaired its ability to infect BmN cells, and Bm-SP142 decreases the efficiency of BmNPV and BmBDV propagation in silkworms. Furthermore, overexpression of Bm-SP142 in BmN cells inhibited viral propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Lipeng Qiu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qin Yao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Keping Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qi Tang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- * E-mail: (ZH); (QT)
| | - Zhaoyang Hu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- * E-mail: (ZH); (QT)
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25
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Rajasekharreddy P, Rani PU, Mattapally S, Banerjee SK. Ultra-small silver nanoparticles induced ROS activated Toll-pathway against Staphylococcus aureus disease in silkworm model. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 77:990-1002. [PMID: 28532120 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the therapeutic action of flavonoids loaded silver nanoparticles (FLV-Ag NPs) on a silkworm, Bombyx mori L., larvae infected by the S. aureus, where an in vivo model system was used. FLV-Ag NPs were synthesized using a Ricinus communis L. leaf extracted flavonoid mixture in various concentrations. The reduction reaction was performed under a simple sunlight exposure condition. In the reduction process, quercetin and kaempferol loadings were also found. They were confirmed by UV-visible, TEM, XRD, XPS, DLS and FTIR spectroscopic techniques. TEM confirmed that the synthesized NPs were monodispersed and with an average size of 5.8nm±0.04. Initially, those synthesized FLV-Ag NPs were tested against S. aureus in in vitro by comparing their potential inhibitory activity with only flavonoids mixture (FLVs) and pure silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Furthermore, these FLV-Ag NPs were used to treat S. aureus infected B. mori larvae and the therapeutic efficacy was measured. Our results demonstrate that the FLV-Ag NPs are effective in curing the S. aureus infection through the induced expression of antimicrobial peptide genes, the enhanced oxidative enzyme levels, and the promoted phagocytosis of S. aureus by the haemocytes in silkworm larvae. On the basis of these results, it is proposed that the mechanism of the antimicrobial activity of FLV-Ag NPs involves the NPs-insect fat body cell association and a reactive oxygen species-mediated Toll-pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pala Rajasekharreddy
- Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana State, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana State, India.
| | - Pathipati Usha Rani
- Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana State, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana State, India
| | - Saidulu Mattapally
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana State, India; Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500607, Telangana State, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Banerjee
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana State, India; Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500607, Telangana State, India; Drug Discovery Research Center, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad 121001, India
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26
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Li KL, Zhang YH, Xing R, Zhou YF, Chen XD, Wang H, Song B, Sima YH, He Y, Xu SQ. Different toxicity of cadmium telluride, silicon, and carbon nanomaterials against hemocytes in silkworm, Bombyx mori. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra09622d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to CdTe QDs, SiNPs, or C–NCDs exerted different toxic effects on silkworm hemocytes via the induction of different PCD processes.
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27
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Urai M, Kataoka K, Nishida S, Sekimizu K. Structural analysis of an innate immunostimulant from broccoli, Brassica oleracea var. italica . Drug Discov Ther 2017; 11:230-237. [DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2017.01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Urai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | | | | | - Kazuhisa Sekimizu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
- Genome Pharmaceuticals Institute Co., Ltd
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology
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28
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Song L, Wang F, Dong Z, Hua X, Xia Q. Label-free quantitative phosphoproteomic profiling of cellular response induced by an insect cytokine paralytic peptide. J Proteomics 2016; 154:49-58. [PMID: 27903465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Paralytic peptide (PP) participates in diverse physiological processes as an insect cytokine, such as immunity control, paralysis induction, regulation of cell morphology and proliferation. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying those physiological activities, we systematically investigated the global phosphorylation events in fat body of silkworm larvae induced by PP through label-free quantitative phosphoproteomics. 2534 phosphosites were finally identified, of which the phosphorylation level of 620 phosphosites on 244 proteins was significantly up-regulated and 67 phosphosites on 43 proteins was down-regulated. Among those proteins, 13 were protein kinases (PKs), 13 were transcription factors (TFs) across 10 families and 17 were metabolism related enzymes. Meanwhile, Motif-X analysis of the phosphorylation sites showed that 16 motifs are significantly enriched, including 8 novel phosphorylation motifs. In addition, KEGG and functional interacting network analysis revealed that phosphorylation cascades play the crucial regulation roles in PP-dependent signaling pathways, and highlighted the potential central position of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in them. These analyses provide direct insights into the molecule mechanisms of cellular response induced by PP. SIGNIFICANCE PP as an insect cytokine participated in diverse functions including immunity control paralysis induction, regulation of cell morphology and proliferation. In this study, we performed firstly a label-free quantitative phosphoproteomics analysis. We found some new phosphorylation targets of PP-stimulation. Meanwhile, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and functional networks revealed that phosphorylation cascades play the crucial regulation roles in PP-dependent signaling pathways. In addition, the potential central position of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was highlighted in PP-dependent signaling pathways. We think our findings may help us gain a systematic understanding of the cytokine-dependent response regulation in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 216, Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 216, Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Zhaoming Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 216, Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Xiaoting Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 216, Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 216, Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China.
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Wang L, Li J, Zhao X, Qian C, Wei G, Zhu B, Liu C. Expression and characterization of a lipase-related protein in the malpighian tubules of the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2016; 106:615-623. [PMID: 27297450 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485316000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipases are ubiquitous enzymes in nature, which play a crucial role in fat metabolism by catalyzing the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol to free fatty acids and glycerol. However, reports concerning insect lipase are rare. In this study, we studied the expression and activity of a lipase-related protein from Antheraea pernyi (ApLRP). Recombinant ApLRP was expressed in Escherichia coli cells and used to raise rabbit anti-ApLRP polyclonal antibodies. ApLRP mRNA and protein expression were abundant in the midgut and malpighian tubules, respectively. After challenge with four different microorganisms (E. coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus and nuclear polyhedrosis virus), the expression levels of ApLRP mRNA in midgut were inducted significantly compared with the control. The different pathogens induced different ApLRP gene expression patterns. The optimum temperature and pH for the enzyme's activity were 35°C and 7.0, respectively. ApLRP activity was stimulated in the presence of Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+ and b-mercaptoethanol; while Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe3+ inhibited its activity. Detergents such as SDS, glycerol and Tween-20 increased the lipase activity by 20-30%. Our results indicated that ApLRP might play an important role in the innate immunity of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - J Li
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - X Zhao
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - C Qian
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - G Wei
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - B Zhu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - C Liu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
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30
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Suzuki J, Uda A, Watanabe K, Shimizu T, Watarai M. Symbiosis with Francisella tularensis provides resistance to pathogens in the silkworm. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31476. [PMID: 27507264 PMCID: PMC4979039 DOI: 10.1038/srep31476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is a highly virulent facultative intracellular pathogen found in a wide range of animals, including arthropods, and environments. This bacterium has been known for over 100 years, but the lifestyle of F. tularensis in natural reservoirs remains largely unknown. Thus, we established a novel natural host model for F. tularensis using the silkworm (Bombyx mori), which is an insect model for infection by pathogens. F. tularensis established a symbiosis with silkworms, and bacteria were observed in the hemolymph. After infection with F. tularensis, the induction of melanization and nodulation, which are immune responses to bacterial infection, were inhibited in silkworms. Pre-inoculation of silkworms with F. tularensis enhanced the expression of antimicrobial peptides and resistance to infection by pathogenic bacteria. These results suggest that silkworms acquire host resistance via their symbiosis with F. tularensis, which may have important fitness benefits in natural reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Suzuki
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Akihiko Uda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Watanabe
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan.,Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan.,Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahisa Watarai
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan.,Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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31
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Kochi Y, Miyashita A, Tsuchiya K, Mitsuyama M, Sekimizu K, Kaito C. A human pathogenic bacterial infection model using the two-spotted cricket,Gryllus bimaculatus. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2016; 363:fnw163. [DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnw163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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32
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Hu X, Jiang Y, Gong Y, Zhu M, Zhu L, Chen F, Liang Z, Kuang S, Zar MS, Kumar D, Cao G, Xue R, Gong C. Important roles played by TGF-β member of Bmdpp and Bmdaw in BmNPV infection. Mol Immunol 2016; 73:122-9. [PMID: 27077706 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily members inhibit Bombyx mori nucleohedrovirus (BmNPV) multiplication in silkworm are not determined. In this study, we first found that BmNPV RNA transcription and protein expression level were regulated by TGF-β members, Decapentaplegic (Bmdpp) and Dawdle (Bmdaw) in the domesticated silkworm, B. mori and silkworm ovary-derived cells. Furthermore, subcellular localization showed that Bmdpp and Bmdaw were mainly presented in cytomembrane of the cultured BmN cells. Tissues expression pattern analysis found that the highest expression levels of Bmdpp and Bmdaw genes were in the hemocyte of fifth instar larvae. During the immune response, the expression level of Bmdpp gene was elevated and Bmdaw gene was declined in BmNPV infected BmN cells and silkworm. The multiplication of BmNPV was inhibited by overexpression of Bmdpp and Bmdaw genes in BmN cells. RNA interference experiments found that the multiplication of BmNPV was raised with specific siRNAs of Bmdpp and Bmdaw genes in BmN cells. The antiviral immune pathways were not significantly regulated by the TGF-β superfamily members. Taken together, these findings provided a clue to understand the function of Bmdpp and Bmdaw gene in response to the BmNPV infection in silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Hu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yongchang Gong
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Min Zhu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Liyuan Zhu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fei Chen
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zi Liang
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Sulan Kuang
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Mian Sahib Zar
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Dhiraj Kumar
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Guangli Cao
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Renyu Xue
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Chengliang Gong
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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33
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Duressa TF, Boonen K, Hayakawa Y, Huybrechts R. Identification and functional characterization of a novel locust peptide belonging to the family of insect growth blocking peptides. Peptides 2015; 74:23-32. [PMID: 26471907 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Growth blocking peptides (GBPs) are recognized as insect cytokines that take part in multifaceted functions including immune system activation and growth retardation. The peptides induce hemocyte spreading in vitro, which is considered as the initial step in hemocyte activation against infection in many insect species. Therefore, in this study, we carried out a series of in vitro bioassay driven fractionations of Locusta migratoria hemolymph combined with mass spectrometry to identify locust hemocyte activation factors belonging to the family of insect GBPs. We identified the locust hemocyte spreading peptide (locust GBP) as a 28-mer peptide encoded at the C-terminus of a 64 amino acid long precursor polypeptide. As demonstrated by QRT-PCR, the gene encoding the locust GBP precursor (proGBP) was expressed in large quantities in diverse locust tissues including fat body, endocrine glands, central nervous system, reproductive tissues and flight muscles. In contrary, hemocytes, gut tissues and Malpighian tubules displayed little expression of the proGBP transcript. The bioactive peptide induces transient depletion of hemocytes in vivo and when injected in last instar nymphs it extends the larval growth phase and postpones adult molting. In addition, we identified a functional homologous hemocyte spreading peptide in Schistocerca gregaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tewodros Firdissa Duressa
- Insect Physiology and Molecular Ethology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Kurt Boonen
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Biology Department, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Yoichi Hayakawa
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan.
| | - Roger Huybrechts
- Insect Physiology and Molecular Ethology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Song L, Wang F, Dong S, Hu C, Hua X, Xia Q. Paralytic peptide activates insect humoral immune response via epidermal growth factor receptor. Peptides 2015; 71:20-7. [PMID: 26003397 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Paralytic peptide (PP) activates innate immunity of silkworm Bombyx mori, inducing production of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) and phagocytosis-related proteins; however the signal pathways of PP-dependent immune responses are not clear. In present study, we characterized BmE cells as a PP-responsive cell line by examining the expression of AMP genes and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) under PP stimulation, and we also found PP directly binds to BmE cell membrane. Then we found that PP-dependent expression of AMP genes is suppressed by tyrosine kinase inhibitor (genistein) both in BmE cells and in fat body of silkworm larvae. Moreover, the specific tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor (AG1478) attenuates PP-induced expression of AMP genes in BmE cells and fat body of silkworm and RNA interference (RNAi) to BmEGFR also suppresses PP-induced expression of AMP genes. Furthermore, the PP-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation is inhibited by AG1478. Our results suggest that BmE cells can be used as a cell model to investigate the signal pathway of PP-dependent humoral immune response and receptor tyrosine kinase EGFR/p38 MAPK pathway is involved in the production of AMPs induced by PP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Shifeng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Cuimei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Xiaoting Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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35
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Liu D, Wang L, Yang L, Qian C, Wei G, Dai L, Li J, Zhu B, Liu C. Serpin-15 from Bombyx mori inhibits prophenoloxidase activation and expression of antimicrobial peptides. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 51:22-28. [PMID: 25720980 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (SPIs) play a key role in physiological responses by controlling protease activities. In this study, we studied the biochemical functions of serpin-15, an SPI, from Bombyx mori (Bmserpin-15). Recombinant Bmserpin-15 was expressed in Escherichia coli cells and used to raise rabbit anti-Bmserpin-15 polyclonal antibodies. Bmserpin-15 mRNA and protein expression was detected in all tested tissues, particularly in the fat body and silk gland. After challenge with four different microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus and B. mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus), the expressions of Bmserpin-15 mRNA and protein were induced significantly, particularly by B. bassiana and M. luteus. Recombinant Bmserpin-15 inhibited prophenoloxidase activation, but did not affect phenoloxidase activity, in B. mori hemolymph. Injection of recombinant Bmserpin-15 into B. mori larvae reduced significantly the transcript levels of antimicrobial peptides in fat body. Our results suggested that Bmserpin-15 plays an important role in the innate immunity of B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongran Liu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Liu Yang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Cen Qian
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Guoqing Wei
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Lishang Dai
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Baojian Zhu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Chaoliang Liu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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36
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Miyashita A, Takahashi S, Ishii K, Sekimizu K, Kaito C. Primed Immune Responses Triggered by Ingested Bacteria Lead to Systemic Infection Tolerance in Silkworms. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130486. [PMID: 26107254 PMCID: PMC4479504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we examined whether microorganisms collaterally ingested by insects with their food activate the innate immune system to confer systemic resistance against subsequent bacterial invasion. Silkworms orally administered heat-killed Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells showed resistance against intra-hemolymph infection by P. aeruginosa. Oral administration of peptidoglycans, cell wall components of P. aeruginosa, conferred protective effects against P. aeruginosa infection, whereas oral administration of lipopolysaccharides, bacterial surface components, did not. In silkworms orally administered heat-killed P. aeruginosa cells, P. aeruginosa growth was inhibited in the hemolymph, and mRNA amounts of the antimicrobial peptides cecropin A and moricin were increased in the hemocytes and fat body. Furthermore, the amount of paralytic peptide, an insect cytokine that activates innate immune reactions, was increased in the hemolymph of silkworms orally administered heat-killed P. aeruginosa cells. These findings suggest that insects sense bacteria present in their food by peptidoglycan recognition, which activates systemic immune reactions to defend the insects against a second round of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Miyashita
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3–1, 7-chome, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–0033, Japan
| | - Shinji Takahashi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3–1, 7-chome, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–0033, Japan
| | - Kenichi Ishii
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3–1, 7-chome, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–0033, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Sekimizu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3–1, 7-chome, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–0033, Japan
| | - Chikara Kaito
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3–1, 7-chome, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–0033, Japan
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37
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Ishii K, Hamamoto H, Sekimizu K. Studies of host-pathogen interactions and immune-related drug development using the silkworm: interdisciplinary immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology studies. Drug Discov Ther 2015; 9:238-46. [PMID: 25865526 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2015.01015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Innate immunity acts as a front-line barrier against invading pathogens, and the majority of the components are widely conserved among species. Regulation of innate immunity is important for overcoming infections and preventing self-damaging sepsis. Using the silkworm (Bombyx mori) as an animal model, we elucidated the activation processes of innate immunity with emphasis on a multifunctional insect cytokine called paralytic peptide. Moreover, we established an ex vivo system using silkworm larval specimens to quantitatively evaluate the immunostimulatory activity of natural compounds. We observed that overactivation of innate immunity in silkworms induces tissue damage followed by host death, resembling sepsis-induced multi-organ failure in humans. Here, we summarize our recent findings and propose the usefulness of the silkworm as an animal model for studying immune regulation and for evaluating compounds with the potential to regulate innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Ishii
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo
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38
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Ishii K, Hamamoto H, Sekimizu K. Paralytic peptide: an insect cytokine that mediates innate immunity. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 88:18-30. [PMID: 25521626 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Host animals combat invading pathogens by activating various immune responses. Modulation of the immune pathways by cytokines is critical for efficient pathogen elimination. Insects and mammals possess common innate immune systems, and individual immune pathways have been intensively studied over the last two decades. Relatively less attention, however, has been focused on the functions of cytokines in insect innate immunity. Here, we summarize our recent findings from studies of the insect cytokine, paralytic peptide, in the silkworm Bombyx mori. The content of this report was presented at the First Asian Invertebrate Immunity Symposium. Acute activation of paralytic peptide occurs via proteolysis after stimulation with the cell wall components of pathogens, leading to the induction of a wide range of cellular and humoral immune responses. The pathogenic bacterium Serratia marcescens suppresses paralytic peptide-dependent immune activation, which impairs host resistance. Studies of insect cytokines will broaden our understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying the interaction between host innate immunity and pathogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Ishii
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Masuda Y, Tanaka R, Kai K, Ganesan A, Doi T. Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of PF1171A, C, F, and G, Cyclic Hexapeptides with Insecticidal Activity. J Org Chem 2014; 79:7844-53. [DOI: 10.1021/jo500861k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Masuda
- Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aza-Aoba,
Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ren Tanaka
- Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aza-Aoba,
Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kenji Kai
- Graduate
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - A. Ganesan
- School
of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Takayuki Doi
- Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aza-Aoba,
Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
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40
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Niemann–Pick disease type C2 protein induces triglyceride accumulation in silkworm and mammalian cell lines. Biochem J 2014; 459:137-47. [DOI: 10.1042/bj20130876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Niemann–Pick disease type C2 protein was identified as a triglyceride-accumulating factor in insect fluid.
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41
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Identification of a Serratia marcescens virulence factor that promotes hemolymph bleeding in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. J Invertebr Pathol 2014; 117:61-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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42
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Ishii K, Hamamoto H, Sekimizu K. Establishment of a bacterial infection model using the European honeybee, Apis mellifera L. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89917. [PMID: 24587122 PMCID: PMC3933694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Injection of human pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes) into the hemocoel of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) workers kills the infected bees. The bee-killing effects of the pathogens were affected by temperature, and the LD50 values at 37°C were more than 100-fold lower than those at 15°C. Gene-disrupted S. aureus mutants of virulence genes such as agrA, saeS, arlR, srtA, hla, and hlb had attenuated bee-killing ability. Nurse bees were less susceptible than foragers and drones to S. aureus infection. Injection of antibiotics clinically used for humans had therapeutic effects against S. aureus infections of bees, and the ED50 values of these antibiotics were comparable with those determined in mammalian models. Moreover, the effectiveness of orally administered antibiotics was consistent between honeybees and mammals. These findings suggest that the honeybee could be a useful model for assessing the pathogenesis of human-infecting bacteria and the effectiveness of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Ishii
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hamamoto
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Sekimizu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Induction of virulence gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus by pulmonary surfactant. Infect Immun 2014; 82:1500-10. [PMID: 24452679 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01635-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We performed a genomewide analysis using a next-generation sequencer to investigate the effect of pulmonary surfactant on gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus, a clinically important opportunistic pathogen. RNA sequence (RNA-seq) analysis of bacterial transcripts at late log phase revealed 142 genes that were upregulated >2-fold following the addition of pulmonary surfactant to the culture medium. Among these genes, we confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis that mRNA amounts for genes encoding ESAT-6 secretion system C (EssC), an unknown hypothetical protein (NWMN_0246; also called pulmonary surfactant-inducible factor A [PsiA] in this study), and hemolysin gamma subunit B (HlgB) were increased 3- to 10-fold by the surfactant treatment. Among the major constituents of pulmonary surfactant, i.e., phospholipids and palmitate, only palmitate, which is the most abundant fatty acid in the pulmonary surfactant and a known antibacterial substance, stimulated the expression of these three genes. Moreover, these genes were also induced by supplementing the culture with detergents. The induction of gene expression by surfactant or palmitate was not observed in a disruption mutant of the sigB gene, which encodes an alternative sigma factor involved in bacterial stress responses. Furthermore, each disruption mutant of the essC, psiA, and hlgB genes showed attenuation of both survival in the lung and host-killing ability in a murine pneumonia model. These findings suggest that S. aureus resists membrane stress caused by free fatty acids present in the pulmonary surfactant through the regulation of virulence gene expression, which contributes to its pathogenesis within the lungs of the host animal.
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Zhang Y, Dong Z, Wang D, Wu Y, Song Q, Gu P, Zhao P, Xia Q. Proteomics of larval hemolymph in Bombyx mori reveals various nutrient-storage and immunity-related proteins. Amino Acids 2014; 46:1021-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1665-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Ishii K, Adachi T, Hamamoto H, Sekimizu K. Serratia marcescens suppresses host cellular immunity via the production of an adhesion-inhibitory factor against immunosurveillance cells. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:5876-88. [PMID: 24398686 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.544536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Injection of a culture supernatant of Serratia marcescens into the bloodstream of the silkworm Bombyx mori increased the number of freely circulating immunosurveillance cells (hemocytes). Using a bioassay with live silkworms, serralysin metalloprotease was purified from the culture supernatant and identified as the factor responsible for this activity. Serralysin inhibited the in vitro attachment of both silkworm hemocytes and murine peritoneal macrophages. Incubation of silkworm hemocytes or murine macrophages with serralysin resulted in degradation of the cellular immune factor BmSPH-1 or calreticulin, respectively. Furthermore, serralysin suppressed in vitro phagocytosis of bacteria by hemocytes and in vivo bacterial clearance in silkworms. Disruption of the ser gene in S. marcescens attenuated its host killing ability in silkworms and mice. These findings suggest that serralysin metalloprotease secreted by S. marcescens suppresses cellular immunity by decreasing the adhesive properties of immunosurveillance cells, thereby contributing to bacterial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Ishii
- From the Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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46
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Profiling the venom gland transcriptome of Tetramorium bicarinatum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): The first transcriptome analysis of an ant species. Toxicon 2013; 70:70-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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47
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Chang MR, Lee WH, Rhee WJ, Park TH, Kim EJ. Anti-inflammatory effects of silkworm hemolymph on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-013-0108-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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48
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Pradeep ANR, Anitha J, Awasthi AK, Babu MA, Geetha MN, Arun HK, Chandrashekhar S, Rao GC, Vijayaprakash NB. Activation of autophagic programmed cell death and innate immune gene expression reveals immuno-competence of integumental epithelium in Bombyx mori infected by a dipteran parasitoid. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 352:371-85. [PMID: 23161099 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1520-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In insects, the integument forms the primary barrier between the environment and internal milieu, but cellular and immune responses of the integumental epithelium to infection by micro- and macro-parasites are mostly unknown. We elucidated cellular and immune responses of the epithelium induced through infection by a dipteran endoparasitoid, Exorista bombycis in the economically important silkworm Bombyx mori. Degradative autophagic vacuoles, lamella-like bodies, a network of cytoplasmic channels with cellular cargo, and an RER network that opened to vacuoles were observed sequentially with increase in age after infection. This temporal sequence culminated in apoptosis, accompanied by the upregulation of the caspase gene and fragmentation of DNA. The infection significantly enhanced the tyrosine level and phenol oxidase activity in the integument. Proteomic analysis revealed enhanced expression of innate immunity components of toll and melanization pathways, cytokines, signaling molecules, chaperones, and proteolytic enzymes demonstrating diverse host responses. qPCR analysis revealed the upregulation of spatzle, BmToll, and NF kappa B transcription factors Dorsal and BmRel. NF kappa B inhibitor cactus showed diminished expression when Dorsal and BmRel were upregulated, revealing a negative correlation (R = (-)0.612). During melanization, prophenol oxidase 2 was expressed, a novel finding in integumental epithelium. The integument showed a low level of melanin metabolism and localized melanism in order to prevent the spreading of cytotoxic quinones. The gene-encoding proteolytic enzyme, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, was activated at 24 h post-infection, whereas chitinase, was activated at 96 h post-infection; however, most of the immune genes enhanced their expression in the early stages of infection. Thus the integument contributes to humoral immune responses that enhance resistance against macroparasite invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Appukuttan Nair R Pradeep
- Proteomics Division, Seribiotech Research Laboratory, CSB-Kodathi Campus, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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Dhital S, Hamamoto H, Urai M, Ishii K, Sekimizu K. Purification of innate immunostimulant from green tea using a silkworm muscle contraction assay. Drug Discov Ther 2012; 5:18-25. [PMID: 22466092 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.v5.1.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A polysaccharide was purified from a hot water extract of green tea leaves by measuring the immunostimulatory activity in silkworm larvae. Nuclear magnetic resonance and chemical analysis of acid hydrolysates revealed that the purified substance possessed a backbone containing polygalacturonic acids with methyl ester residues. Treatment with β-glucanase attenuated the muscle contraction activity of the purified sample, suggesting that the β-glucan structure, probably as a branched form, was required for its activity. The purified fraction stimulated the production of interleukin-6 by mouse peritoneal macrophages. These results suggest that measuring immunostimulation in silkworm larvae is useful for evaluating innate immunostimulants from various sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dhital
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Ishii K, Adachi T, Imamura K, Takano S, Usui K, Suzuki K, Hamamoto H, Watanabe T, Sekimizu K. Serratia marcescens induces apoptotic cell death in host immune cells via a lipopolysaccharide- and flagella-dependent mechanism. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:36582-92. [PMID: 22859304 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.399667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Injection of Serratia marcescens into the blood (hemolymph) of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, induced the activation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), followed by caspase activation and apoptosis of blood cells (hemocytes). This process impaired the innate immune response in which pathogen cell wall components, such as glucan, stimulate hemocytes, leading to the activation of insect cytokine paralytic peptide. S. marcescens induced apoptotic cell death of silkworm hemocytes and mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. We searched for S. marcescens transposon mutants with attenuated ability to induce apoptosis of silkworm hemocytes. Among the genes identified, disruption mutants of wecA (a gene involved in lipopolysaccharide O-antigen synthesis), and flhD and fliR (essential genes in flagella synthesis) showed reduced motility and impaired induction of mouse macrophage cell death. These findings suggest that S. marcescens induces apoptosis of host immune cells via lipopolysaccharide- and flagella-dependent motility, leading to the suppression of host innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Ishii
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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