The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella: biology and use in immune studies

Characterising phagocytes and measuring phagocytosis from live Galleria mellonella larvae

Over the last 20 years, the larva of the greater waxmoth, Galleria mellonella, has rapidly increased in popularity as an in vivo mammalian replacement model organism for the study of human pathogens. Experimental readouts of response to infection are most often limited to observing the melanization cascade and quantifying larval death and, whilst transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, and methods to determine microbial load are also used, a more comprehensive toolkit of profiling infection over time could transform the applicability of this model. As an invertebrate, Galleria harbour an innate immune system comprised of both humoral components and a repertoire of innate immune cells - termed haemocytes. Although information on subtypes of haemocytes exists, there are conflicting reports on their exact number and function. Flow cytometry has previously been used to assay Galleria haemocytes, but protocols include both centrifugation and fixation - physical methods which have the potential to affect haemocyte morphology prior to analysis. Here, we present a method for live haemocyte analysis by flow cytometry, revealing that Galleria haemocytes constitute only a single resolvable population, based on relative size or internal complexity. Using fluorescent zymosan particles, we extend our method to show that up to 80% of the Galleria haemocyte population display phagocytic capability. Finally, we demonstrate that the developed assay reliably replicates in vitro data, showing that cell wall β-1,3-glucan masking by Candida albicans subverts phagocytic responses. As such, our method provides a new tool with which to rapidly assess phagocytosis and understand live infection dynamics in Galleria.

Back to the future: Forgotten protocols for optimizing the isolation of arthropod haemocytes

Consideration is given to previous and more recent protocols for harvesting arthropod haemocytes from Galleria, Drosophila, mosquitoes, Limulus and crustaceans. The optimal harvesting of these cells is essential for meaningful studies of invertebrate immunity in vitro. The results of such experiments, however, have often been flawed due to a lack of understanding of the fragile nature of arthropod haemocytes on exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharides, resulting in the aggregation and loss of cell types during haemolymph clotting. This article emphasizes that although there are similarities between mammalian neutrophils and arthropod haemocytes, the protocols required for the successful harvesting of these cells vary significantly. The various stages for the successful harvesting of arthropod haemocytes are described in detail and should provide invaluable advice to those requiring both high cell viability and recovery of the different cell types for subsequent experimentation.

Telling Ecopoetic Stories: Wax Worms, Care, and the Cultivation of Other Sensibilities

Recently, a beekeeper discovered the metabolic wizardry of wax worms, their ability to decompose polyethylene. While this organism has usually been perceived as a model organism in science or a pest to beekeepers, it acquired a new mode of being as potentially probiotic, inviting us to dream of a future without plastic waste. In this paper, I explore how wax worms are entangled with material practices of care and narratives that give meaning to these practices. These stories, however, are marked by manipulation, exploitation, and extermination, and call for a questioning of our modes of caring. Consequently, I offer a counter-narrative that questions our anthropocentric practices of caring and the stories we attach to them. Borrowing Puig de la Bellacasa's notion of ecopoetics, I tell another story based on my participation in the making of an art installation hosting wax worms. The installation creates an opening of a world of curiosity and cultivates a sensibility for wax worms expanding their modes of being and our capabilities of appreciation. In the end, I argue that by mattering and storying differently, we have the opportunity to challenge anthropocentric interests and make a different world of caring and co-existence possible.

Bioactivity of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) berries parts against Galleria mellonella and Erwinia carotovora and LC-MS chemical profile of its potential extract

Natural products received much attention as an environmentally beneficial solution for pest management. Therefore, the extracts of invasive silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) weeds using their berries parts (seeds, peels and mucilage) supported by bioassay-guided fractionation were tested against both the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and Erwinia carotovora pv. carotovora causes of the blackleg of potatoes. The seeds and peels of S. elaeagnifolium were successively extracted by maceration using dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and ethanol (EtOH), respectively. While, its mucilage was extracted using EtOAc. The successive EtOH extract of the plant seeds had promising inhibition efficacy and the best minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of 50 µg/ml against E. Carotovora amongst other extracts (DCM and EtOAc of the plant berries parts). Depending on dose response activity, EtOH extract had G. mellonella larval mortality and pupal duration rates (LC50; 198.30 and LC95; 1294.73 µg/ml), respectively. Additionally, this EtOH extract of seeds was fractionated using preparative TLC to three characteristic bands. The insecticidal and bacterial activities of these isolated bands (SEA, SEB, and SEC) were evaluated at a dose of 100 µg/ml, causing mortality by 48.48, 62.63 and 92.93% (G. mellonella larvae) and inhibition by 15.22, 0.00 and 31.66 mm (E. carotovora), respectively. Moreover, the separated major three bands were tentatively identified using LC-ESI-MS analysis revealing the presence of two phenolic acids; chlorogenic acid (SEA) and dicaffeoyl quinic acid (SEB) in addition to one steroidal saponin (SEC) annotated as borassoside E or yamoscin. Finally, the plant seeds' successive EtOH extract as well as its active constituents, exhibited potential broad-spectrum activity and the ability to participate in future pest management initiatives. A field study is also recommended to validate its bio-efficacy against selected pests and to develop its formulations.

Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ebony gene editing in the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae), is a major bee pest that inflicts considerable harm on beehives, leading to economic losses. It also serves as a valuable resource insect and a model organism. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system plays a crucial role in improving economic insect breeding and developing efficient agricultural pest management systems in Lepidoptera. However, the CRISPR/Cas9 protocols have not been developed for G. mellonella. Here, the Gmebony knockout (KO) strain was established using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system. We obtained Gmebony KO strain in the G4 generation, which took approximately 10 months. When compared with wild-type, the head, notum, and the terminal abdominal surface of 1st to 4th instar larvae in the KO strain changed from yellow to brown, and these regions of the KO strain gradually transformed into a black color from the 5th instar larvae, and the body color of the adult moth in the KO strain changed to black. The developmental period of the early larval and the following larval instars extended. The embryonic hatchability of the Gmebony KO strain was significantly decreased. The pupal body weight of the Gmebony KO strain was not affected. The feasibility of the CRISPR/Cas9 methodology was validated by single-target editing of Gmebony. Our findings provide the first evidence that the ebony gene can serve as a pigmentation reference gene for genetic modifications of G. mellonella. Meanwhile, it can be utilized in the development of genome editing control strategies and for gene function analyses in G. mellonella.

Ascarosides and Symbiotic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Regulate Host Immune Response in Galleria mellonella Larvae

Insects protect themselves through their immune systems. Entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacterial symbionts are widely used for the biocontrol of economically important pests. Ascarosides are pheromones that regulate nematode behaviors, such as aggregation, avoidance, mating, dispersal, and dauer recovery and formation. However, whether ascarosides influence the immune response of insects remains unexplored. In this study, we co-injected ascarosides and symbiotic Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii H06 bacteria derived from Heterorhabditis bacteriophora H06 into the last instar larvae of Galleria mellonella. We recorded larval mortality and analyzed the expressions of AMPs, ROS/RNS, and LPSs. Our results revealed a process in which ascarosides, acting as enhancers of the symbiotic bacteria, co-induced G. mellonella immunity by significantly increasing oxidative stress responses and secreting AMPs (gallerimycin, gloverin, and cecropin). This led to a reduction in color intensity and the symbiotic bacteria load, ultimately resulting in delayed host mortality compared to either ascarosides or symbiotic bacteria. These findings demonstrate the cross-kingdom regulation of insects and symbiotic bacteria by nematode pheromones. Furthermore, our results suggest that G. mellonella larvae may employ nematode pheromones secreted by IJs to modulate insect immunity during early infection, particularly in the presence of symbiotic bacteria, for enhancing resistance to invasive bacteria in the hemolymph.

Lipoteichoic Acids Are Essential for Pneumococcal Colonization and Membrane Integrity

INTRODUCTION

The hydrophilic, polymeric chain of the lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of the Gram-positive pathobiont Streptococcus pneumoniae is covalently linked to the glycosylglycerolipid α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1,3)-diacylglycerol by the LTA ligase TacL, leading to its fixation in the cytoplasmic membrane. Pneumococcal LTA, sharing identical repeating units with the wall teichoic acids (WTA), is dispensable for normal growth but required for full virulence in invasive infections.

METHODS

Mutants deficient in TacL and complemented strains constructed were tested for their growth, resistance against oxidative stress, and susceptibility against antimicrobial peptides. Further, the membrane fluidity of pneumococci, their capability to adhere to lung epithelial cells, and virulence in a Galleria mellonella as well as intranasal mouse infection model were assessed.

RESULTS

In the present study, we indicate that LTA is already indispensable for pneumococcal adherence to human nasopharyngeal cells and colonization in an intranasal mouse infection model. Mutants deficient for TacL did not show morphological defects. However, our analysis of pneumococcal membranes in different serotypes showed an altered membrane fluidity and surface protein abundance of lipoproteins in mutants deficient for LTA but not WTA. These mutants had a decreased membrane fluidity, exhibited higher amounts of lipoproteins, and showed an increased susceptibility to antimicrobial peptides. In complemented mutant strains, this defect was fully restored.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, LTA is crucial for colonization and required to effectively protect pneumococci from innate immune defence mechanisms by maintaining the membrane integrity.

Phenazine Cations as Anticancer Theranostics†

The biological properties of two water-soluble organic cations based on polypyridyl structures commonly used as ligands for photoactive transition metal complexes designed to interact with biomolecules are investigated. A cytotoxicity screen employing a small panel of cell lines reveals that both cations show cytotoxicity toward cancer cells but show reduced cytotoxicity to noncancerous HEK293 cells with the more extended system being notably more active. Although it is not a singlet oxygen sensitizer, the more active cation also displayed enhanced potency on irradiation with visible light, making it active at nanomolar concentrations. Using the intrinsic luminescence of the cations, their cellular uptake was investigated in more detail, revealing that the active compound is more readily internalized than its less lipophilic analogue. Colocalization studies with established cell probes reveal that the active cation predominantly localizes within lysosomes and that irradiation leads to the disruption of mitochondrial structure and function. Stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging reveal that treatment results in distinct lysosomal swelling and extensive cellular vacuolization. Further imaging-based studies confirm that treatment with the active cation induces lysosomal membrane permeabilization, which triggers lysosome-dependent cell-death due to both necrosis and caspase-dependent apoptosis. A preliminary toxicity screen in the Galleria melonella animal model was carried out on both cations and revealed no detectable toxicity up to concentrations of 80 mg/kg. Taken together, these studies indicate that this class of synthetically easy-to-access photoactive compounds offers potential as novel therapeutic leads.

Predicting bacterial interaction outcomes from monoculture growth and supernatant assays

How to derive principles of community dynamics and stability is a central question in microbial ecology. Bottom-up experiments, in which a small number of bacterial species are mixed, have become popular to address it. However, experimental setups are typically limited because co-culture experiments are labor-intensive and species are difficult to distinguish. Here, we use a four-species bacterial community to show that information from monoculture growth and inhibitory effects induced by secreted compounds can be combined to predict the competitive rank order in the community. Specifically, integrative monoculture growth parameters allow building a preliminary competitive rank order, which is then adjusted using inhibitory effects from supernatant assays. While our procedure worked for two different media, we observed differences in species rank orders between media. We then parameterized computer simulations with our empirical data to show that higher order species interactions largely follow the dynamics predicted from pairwise interactions with one important exception. The impact of inhibitory compounds was reduced in higher order communities because their negative effects were spread across multiple target species. Altogether, we formulated three simple rules of how monoculture growth and supernatant assay data can be combined to establish a competitive species rank order in an experimental four-species community.

Development of sensitizer peptide-fused endolysin Lys1S-L9P acting against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria

The advent of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria poses a major threat to public health, garnering attention to novel antibiotic replacements. Endolysin, a bacteriophage-derived cell wall-degrading enzyme, is a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. However, it is challenging to control Gram-negative bacteria due to the presence of the outer membrane that shields the peptidoglycan layer from enzymatic degradation. To overcome this threshold, we constructed the fusion endolysin Lys1S-L9P by combining endolysin LysSPN1S with KL-L9P, a sensitizer peptide known to extend efficacy of antibiotics by perturbing the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, we established a new endolysin purification procedure that increases solubility allowing a 4-fold increase in production yield of Lys1S-L9P. The sensitizer peptide-fused endolysin Lys1S-L9P exhibited high bactericidal effects against many MDR Gram-negative pathogens and was more effective in eradicating biofilms compared to LysSPN1S. Moreover, Lys1S-L9P showed potential for clinical use, maintaining stability at various storage temperatures without cytotoxicity against human cells. In the in vivo Galleria mellonella model, Lys1S-L9P demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against MDR Gram-negative bacteria without inducing any toxic activity. This study suggest that Lys1S-L9P could be a potential biocontrol agent to combat MDR Gram-negative bacteria.

The immunostimulatory role of an Enterococcus-dominated gut microbiota in host protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens in Galleria mellonella larvae

Understanding the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and the immune response in insects is crucial, given its diverse impact on the pathogenesis of various microbial species. The microbiota's modulation of the host immune system is one such mechanism, although its complete impact on immune responses remains elusive. This study investigated the tripartite interaction between the gut microbiota, pathogens, and the host's response in Galleria mellonella larvae reared under axenic (sterile) and conventional (non-sterile) conditions. The influence of the microbiota on host fitness during infections was evaluated via two different routes: oral infection induced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. galleriae (Btg), and topical infection induced by Metarhizium robertsii (Mr). We observed that larvae without a microbiota can successfully fulfill their life cycle, albeit with more variation in their developmental time. We subsequently performed survival assays on final-instar larvae, using the median lethal dose (LD50) of Btg and Mr. Our findings indicated that axenic larvae were more vulnerable to an oral infection of Btg; specifically, a dose that was calculated to be half-lethal for the conventional group resulted in a 90%-100% mortality rate in the axenic group. Through a dual-analysis experimental design, we could identify the status of the gut microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing and assess the level of immune-related gene expression in the same group of larvae at basal conditions and during infection. This analysis revealed that the microbiota of our conventionally reared population was dominated entirely by four Enterococcus species, and these species potentially stimulated the immune response in the gut, due to the increased basal expression of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)-gallerimycin and gloverin-in the conventional larvae compared with the axenic larvae. Furthermore, Enterococcus mundtii, isolated from the gut of conventional larvae, showed inhibition activity against Btg in vitro. Lastly, other immune effectors, namely, phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph and total reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in the gut, were tested to further investigate the extent of the stimulation of the microbiota on the immune response. These findings highlight the immune-modulatory role of the Enterococcus-dominated gut microbiota, an increasingly reported microbiota assemblage of laboratory populations of Lepidoptera, and its influence on the host's response to oral and topical infections.

Bacteriophage steering of Burkholderia cenocepacia toward reduced virulence and increased antibiotic sensitivity

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a growing global concern and has spurred increasing efforts to find alternative therapeutics, such as the use of bacterial viruses, or bacteriophages. One promising approach is to use phages that not only kill pathogenic bacteria but also select phage-resistant survivors that are newly sensitized to traditional antibiotics, in a process called "phage steering." Members of the bacterial genus Burkholderia, which includes various human pathogens, are highly resistant to most antimicrobial agents, including serum immune components, antimicrobial peptides, and polymixin-class antibiotics. However, the application of phages in combination with certain antibiotics can produce synergistic effects that more effectively kill pathogenic bacteria. Herein, we demonstrate that Burkholderia cenocepacia serum resistance is due to intact lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and membranes, and phage-induced resistance altering LPS structure can enhance bacterial sensitivity not only to immune components in serum but also to membrane-associated antibiotics such as colistin. IMPORTANCE Bacteria frequently encounter selection pressure from both antibiotics and lytic phages, but little is known about the interactions between antibiotics and phages. This study provides new insights into the evolutionary trade-offs between phage resistance and antibiotic sensitivity. The creation of phage resistance through changes in membrane structure or lipopolysaccharide composition can simultaneously be a major cause of antibiotic sensitivity. Our results provide evidence of synergistic therapeutic efficacy in phage-antibiotic interactions and have implications for the future clinical use of phage steering in phage therapy applications.

Negative interactions and virulence differences drive the dynamics in multispecies bacterial infections

Bacterial infections are often polymicrobial, leading to intricate pathogen-pathogen and pathogen-host interactions. There is increasing interest in studying the molecular basis of pathogen interactions and how such mechanisms impact host morbidity. However, much less is known about the ecological dynamics between pathogens and how they affect virulence and host survival. Here we address these open issues by co-infecting larvae of the insect model host Galleria mellonella with one, two, three or four bacterial species, all of which are opportunistic human pathogens. We found that host mortality was always determined by the most virulent species regardless of the number of species and pathogen combinations injected. In certain combinations, the more virulent pathogen simply outgrew the less virulent pathogen. In other combinations, we found evidence for negative interactions between pathogens inside the host, whereby the more virulent pathogen typically won a competition. Taken together, our findings reveal positive associations between a pathogen's growth inside the host, its competitiveness towards other pathogens and its virulence. Beyond being generalizable across species combinations, our findings predict that treatments against polymicrobial infections should first target the most virulent species to reduce host morbidity, a prediction we validated experimentally.

Virulence of Shigatoxigenic and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O80:H2 in Galleria mellonella Larvae: Comparison of the Roles of the pS88 Plasmids and STX2d Phage

The invasiveness properties of Shigatoxigenic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (STEC and EPEC) O80:H2 in humans and calves are encoded by genes located on a pS88-like ColV conjugative plasmid. The main objectives of this study in larvae of the Galleria mellonella moth were therefore to compare the virulence of eight bovine STEC and EPEC O80:H2, of two E. coli pS88 plasmid transconjugant and STX2d phage transductant K12 DH10B, of four E. coli O80:non-H2, and of the laboratory E. coli K12 DH10B strains. Thirty larvae per strain were inoculated in the last proleg with 10 μL of tenfold dilutions of each bacterial culture corresponding to 10 to 10⁶ colony-forming units (CFUs). The larvae were kept at 37 °C and their mortality rate was followed daily for four days. The main results were that: (i) not only the STEC and EPEC O80:H2, but also different E. coli O80:non-H2 were lethal for the larvae at high concentrations (from 10⁴ to 10⁶ CFU) with some variation according to the strain; (ii) the Stx2d toxin and partially the pS88 plasmid were responsible for the lethality caused by the E. coli O80:H2; (iii) the virulence factors of E. coli O80:non-H2 were not identified. The general conclusions are that, although the Galleria mellonella larvae represent a useful first-line model to study the virulence of bacterial pathogens, they are more limited in identifying their actual virulence properties.

Dose-effects in behavioural responses of moths to light in a controlled lab experiment

Insects play a critical role in providing numerous ecosystem services. However, insect diversity and biomass have been declining dramatically, with artificial light being suggested as a contributing factor. Despite the importance of understanding the dose-effect responses of insects to light emissions, these responses have been rarely studied. We examined the dose-effect responses of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.) to different light intensities (14 treatments and a dark control) by observing their behavioural responses in a light-tight box equipped with a LED light source (4070 K) and infrared cameras. Our findings reveal dose-effect responses to light, as the frequency of walking on the light source increased with higher light intensity. Additionally, moths exhibited jumps in front of the light source and jump frequency increased with light intensity. No direct flight-to-light behaviour or activity suppression in response to light was observed. Based on our analysis of the dose-effect responses, we identified a threshold value of 60 cd/m² for attraction (walking on the light source) and the frequency of jumps. The experimental design in this study offers a valuable tool for investigating dose-effect relationships and behavioural responses of various species to different light levels or specific light sources.

Nanoemulsion Increases the Antifungal Activity of Amphotericin B against Four Candida auris Clades: In Vitro and In Vivo Assays

Candida auris is an emerging yeast of worldwide interest due to its antifungal resistance and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to analyse the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of a nanoemulsion loaded with amphotericin B (NEA) against planktonic cells and biofilm of C. auris clinical isolates belonging to four different clades. In vivo assays were performed using the Galleria mellonella model to analyse antifungal activity and histopathological changes. The in vitro results showed that NEA exhibited better antifungal activity than free amphotericin B (AmB) in both planktonic and sessile cells, with >31% inhibition of mature biofilm. In the in vivo assays, NEA demonstrated superior antifungal activity in both haemolymph and tissue. NEA reduced the fungal load in the haemolymph more rapidly and with more activity in the first 24 h after infection. The histological analysis of infected larvae revealed clusters of yeast, immune cells, melanisation, and granulomas. In conclusion, NEA significantly improved the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of AmB and could be considered a promising therapy for C. auris infections.

Galleria mellonella-A Model for the Study of aPDT-Prospects and Drawbacks

Galleria mellonella is a promising in vivo model insect used for microbiological, medical, and pharmacological research. It provides a platform for testing the biocompatibility of various compounds and the kinetics of survival after an infection followed by subsequent treatment, and for the evaluation of various parameters during treatment, including the host-pathogen interaction. There are some similarities in the development of pathologies with mammals. However, a limitation is the lack of adaptive immune response. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an alternative approach for combating microbial infections, including biofilm-associated ones. aPDT is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, regardless of whether they are resistant to conventional treatment. The main idea of this comprehensive review was to collect information on the use of G. mellonella in aPDT. It provides a collection of references published in the last 10 years from this area of research, complemented by some practical experiences of the authors of this review. Additionally, the review summarizes in brief information on the G. mellonella model, its advantages and methods used in the processing of material from these larvae, as well as basic knowledge of the principles of aPDT.

UV-induced mutagenesis of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) yields two hypervirulent isolates with different transcriptomic profiles

BACKGROUND

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) can infest over 300 plant species and cause huge economic losses. Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) is one of the most widely used entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Unfortunately, the efficacy of B. bassiana against S. frugiperda is quite low. Hypervirulent EPF isolates can be obtained by ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation. Here we report on the UV-induced mutagenesis and transcriptomic analysis of B. bassiana.

RESULTS

The wild-type (WT) B. bassiana (ARSEF2860) was exposed to UV light to induce mutagenesis. Two mutants (named 6M and 8M) showed higher growth rates, conidial yields, and germination rates compared to the WT strain. The mutants showed higher levels of tolerance to osmotic, oxidative, and UV stresses. The mutants showed higher protease, chitinase, cellulose, and chitinase activities than WT. Both WT and mutants were compatible with the insecticides matrine, spinetoram, and chlorantraniliprole, but incompatible with emamectin benzoate. Insect bioassays showed that both mutants were more virulent against S. frugiperda and the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. Transcriptomic profiles of the WT and mutants were determined by RNA-sequencing. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and hub gene analysis revealed virulence-related genes.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that UV-irradiation is a very efficient and economical technique to improve the virulence and stress resistance of B. bassiana. Comparative transcriptomic profiles of the mutants provide insights into virulence genes. These results provide new ideas for improving the genetic engineering and field efficacy of EPF. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Virtuous Galleria mellonella Model for Scientific Experimentation

The first research on the insect Galleria mellonella was published 85 years ago, and the larva is now widely used as a model to study infections caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens, for screening new antimicrobials, to study the adjacent immune response in co-infections or in host-pathogen interaction, as well as in a toxicity model. The immune system of the G. mellonella model shows remarkable similarities with mammals. Furthermore, results from G. mellonella correlate positively with mammalian models and with other invertebrate models. Unlike other invertebrate models, G. mellonella can withstand temperatures of 37 °C, and its handling and experimental procedures are simpler. Despite having some disadvantages, G. mellonella is a virtuous in vivo model to be used in preclinical studies, as an intermediate model between in vitro and mammalian in vivo studies, and is a great example on how to apply the bioethics principle of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in animal experimentation. This review aims to discuss the progress of the G. mellonella model, highlighting the key aspects of its use, including experimental design considerations and the necessity to standardize them. A different score in the “cocoon” category included in the G. mellonella Health Index Scoring System is also proposed.

Preliminary Toxicity Evaluation of a Porphyrin Photosensitizer in an Alternative Preclinical Model

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), a photosensitizer (PS) excited with a specific wavelength, and in the presence of oxygen, gives rise to photochemical reactions that lead to cell damage. Over the past few years, larval stages of the G. mellonella moth have proven to be an excellent alternative animal model for in vivo toxicity testing of novel compounds and virulence testing. In this article, we report a series of preliminary studies on G. mellonella larvae to evaluate the photoinduced stress response by a porphyrin (PS) (TPPOH). The tests performed evaluated PS toxicity on larvae and cytotoxicity on hemocytes, both in dark conditions and following PDT. Cellular uptake was also evaluated by fluorescence and flow cytometry. The results obtained demonstrate how the administration of PS and subsequent irradiation of larvae affects not only larvae survival rate, but also immune system cells. It was also possible to verify PS's uptake and uptake kinetics in hemocytes, observing a maximum peak at 8 h. Given the results obtained in these preliminary tests, G. mellonella appears to be a promising model for preclinical PS tests.

Nonmammalian models to study Clostridioides difficile infection; a systematic review

Clostridioide difficile is the leading cause of diarrhea disease worldwide and is a CDC-designated urgent threat level pathogen. Mammalian models are commonly utilized as gold standard to study the pathogenesis of C. difficile infection (CDI); however, alternatives are needed due to cost, higher throughput ability, and mammalian animal ethics. Nonmammalian models such as great wax worm, nematode, fruit fly, and zebrafish have been used as CDI models. This review provides a comprehensive summary of nonmammalian models used to study CDI. Multiple studies were identified using these models to study C. difficile infection, pathogenicity, colonization, host immunity, and therapy. Translational outcomes and strength and weakness of each nonmammalian model are discussed.

Genomic and phenotypic comparison of Prevotella intermedia strains possessing different virulence in vivo

Prevotella intermedia readily colonizes healthy dental biofilm and is associated with periodontal diseases. The viscous exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing capability is known as a major virulence factor of P. intermedia 17 (Pi17). However, the inter-strain difference in P. intermedia regarding virulence-associated phenotype is not well studied. We compared in vivo virulence and whole genome sequences using five wild-type strains: ATCC 49046 (Pi49046), ATCC 15032 (Pi15032), ATCC 15033 (Pi15033), ATCC 25611 (Pi25611), and Pi17. Non-EPS producing Pi25611 was the least virulent in insect and mammalian models. Unexpectedly, Pi49046 did not produce viscous EPS but was the most virulent, followed by Pi17. Genomes of the five strains were quite similar but revealed subtle differences such as copy number variations and single nucleotide polymorphisms. Variations between strains were found in genes encoding glycosyltransferases and genes involved in the acquisition of carbohydrates and iron/haem. Based on these genetic variations, further analyses were performed. Phylogenetic and structural analyses discovered phosphoglycosyltransferases of Pi49046 and Pi17 have evolved to contain additional loops that may confer substrate specificity. Pi17, Pi15032, and Pi15033 displayed increased growth by various carbohydrates. Meanwhile, Pi49046 exhibited the highest activities for haemolysis and haem accumulation, as well as co-aggregation with Porphyromonas gingivalis harbouring fimA type II, which is more tied to periodontitis than other fimA types. Collectively, subtle genetic differences related to glycosylation and acquisition of carbohydrates and iron/haem may contribute to the diversity of virulence and phenotypic traits among P. intermedia strains. These variations may also reflect versatile strategies for within-host adaptation of P. intermedia.

Phytochemical screening and effect of Viscum album L. on monoamine oxidase A and B activity and serotonin, dopamine and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in Galleria mellonealla (Lepidoptera)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Viscum album L. (European mistletoe), a member of the Santalaceae, is a hemiparasitic, evergreen shrub growing on deciduous and coniferous trees. In traditional and folk medicine, mistletoe was used for the treatment of central nervous system disorders such as epilepsy, hysteria, insomnia, nervous excitability, neuralgia, headache, dizziness and fatigue. However, relatively little is known of its neuropharmacological activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from Viscum album L. parasitizing birch, linden and pine, on MAO-A and MAO-B activity as well as serotonin, dopamine and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phytochemical composition of the extracts was characterised using UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. To investigate the neuropharmacological activity of Viscum album L. extracts, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae were used as a model organism. The inhibitory potential of the extracts against MAO-A and MAO-B was determined by fluorometry. The serotonin, dopamine and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in larvae hemolymph after treatment were quantified by ELISA.

RESULTS

UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of 88 compounds, either full or in part. Most of the characterised phytochemicals were flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids and lignans. Screening found that aqueous and hydroethanolic mistletoe extracts inhibited the enzymatic activity of either MAO-A or MAO-B or both. Additionally, mistletoe extract administration increased the levels of serotonin and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A. None of the tested extracts had any significant effect on dopamine level.

CONCLUSIONS

A key novel finding was that the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from Viscum album L. inhibited monoamine oxidase activity and increased the levels of serotonin and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae. These properties may be due to the presence of phenolic constituents, particularly flavonoids. Further research based on bioassay-guided fractionation of mistletoe is needed to identify CNS-active molecules.

Salmonella enterica Infections Are Disrupted by Two Small Molecules That Accumulate within Phagosomes and Differentially Damage Bacterial Inner Membranes

Gram-negative bacteria have a robust cell envelope that excludes or expels many antimicrobial agents. However, during infection, host soluble innate immune factors permeabilize the bacterial outer membrane. We identified two small molecules that exploit outer membrane damage to access the bacterial cell. In standard microbiological media, neither compound inhibited bacterial growth nor permeabilized bacterial outer membranes. In contrast, at micromolar concentrations, JAV1 and JAV2 enabled the killing of an intracellular human pathogen, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. S. Typhimurium is a Gram-negative bacterium that resides within phagosomes of cells from the monocyte lineage. Under broth conditions that destabilized the lipopolysaccharide layer, JAV2 permeabilized the bacterial inner membrane and was rapidly bactericidal. In contrast, JAV1 activity was more subtle: JAV1 increased membrane fluidity, altered reduction potential, and required more time than JAV2 to disrupt the inner membrane barrier and kill bacteria. Both compounds interacted with glycerophospholipids from Escherichia coli total lipid extract-based liposomes. JAV1 preferentially interacted with cardiolipin and partially relied on cardiolipin production for activity, whereas JAV2 generally interacted with lipids and had modest affinity for phosphatidylglycerol. In mammalian cells, neither compound significantly altered mitochondrial membrane potential at concentrations that killed S. Typhimurium. Instead, JAV1 and JAV2 became trapped within acidic compartments, including macrophage phagosomes. Both compounds improved survival of S. Typhimurium-infected Galleria mellonella larvae. Together, these data demonstrate that JAV1 and JAV2 disrupt bacterial inner membranes by distinct mechanisms and highlight how small, lipophilic, amine-substituted molecules can exploit host soluble innate immunity to facilitate the killing of intravesicular pathogens. IMPORTANCE Innovative strategies for developing new antimicrobials are needed. Combining our knowledge of host-pathogen interactions and relevant drug characteristics has the potential to reveal new approaches to treating infection. We identified two compounds with antibacterial activity specific to infection and with limited host cell toxicity. These compounds appeared to exploit host innate immunity to access the bacterium and differentially damage the bacterial inner membrane. Further, both compounds accumulated within Salmonella-containing and other acidic vesicles, a process known as lysosomal trapping, which protects the host and harms the pathogen. The compounds also increased host survival in an insect infection model. This work highlights the ability of host innate immunity to enable small molecules to act as antibiotics and demonstrates the feasibility of antimicrobial targeting of the inner membrane. Additionally, this study features the potential use of lysosomal trapping to enhance the activities of compounds against intravesicular pathogens.

RNAi-mediated knockdown of gut receptor-like genes prohibitin and α-amylase altered the susceptibility of Galleria mellonella to Cry1AcF toxin

Background

Due to the prolonged usage of Bt-based biopesticides and Bt-transgenic crops worldwide, insects are continually developing resistance against Cry toxins. This resistance may occur if any mechanistic step in the insecticidal process is disrupted possibly because of the alteration in Cry-receptor binding affinity due to mutation in receptor genes. Compared to other lepidopteran insects, Cry receptor-related research has made asymmetric progress in the model insect Galleria mellonella.

Results

Present study describes the molecular characterization and functional analysis of five Cry toxin receptor-related genes (prohibitin, GLTP, α-amylase, ADAM and UDP-GT) and a gut repair gene (arylphorin) from the gut tissues of G. mellonella. Protein–protein docking analysis revealed that Cry1AcF putatively binds with all the five candidate proteins, suggesting their receptor-like function. These receptor-like genes were significantly overexpressed in the gut tissues of fourth-instar G. mellonella larvae upon early exposure to a sub-lethal dose of Cry1AcF toxin. However, targeted knockdown (by using bacterially-expressed dsRNAs) of these genes led to variable effect on insect susceptibility to Cry1AcF toxin. Insects pre-treated with prohibitin and α-amylase dsRNA exhibited significant reduction in Cry1AcF-induced mortality, suggesting their probable role as Cry receptor. By contrast, insects pre-treated with GLTP, ADAM and UDP-GT dsRNA exhibited no significant decline in mortality. This maybe explained by the possibility of RNAi feedback regulation (as few of the receptors belong to multigene family) or redundant role of GLTP, ADAM and UDP-GT in Cry intoxication process.

Conclusion

Since the laboratory culture of G. mellonella develop Bt resistance quite rapidly, findings of the current investigation may provide some useful information for future Cry receptor-related research in the model insect.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08843-8.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of Cry toxin receptor-like genes from the model insect Galleria mellonella

Crystal (Cry) toxins produced from the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), have gained worldwide attention for long due to their insecticidal potential. A number of receptor proteins located on the epithelial cells of the larval midgut were shown to be crucial for Cry intoxication in different insect pests belonging to order Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera. A beehive pest, Galleria mellonella, serves as an excellent insect model for biochemical research. However, information on the Cry receptor-like genes in G. mellonella is limited. In the present study, the full-length sequences of four putative Cry receptor genes (ABC transporter, alkaline phosphatase, aminopeptidase N and cadherin) were cloned from G. mellonella. All these receptor genes were substantially upregulated in the midgut tissue of fourth-instar G. mellonella larvae upon early exposure (6 h) to a sub-lethal dose of Cry1AcF toxin. Oral and independent delivery of bacterially-expressed dsRNAs corresponding to four receptor genes in G. mellonella suppressed the transcription of target receptors which in turn significantly reduced the larval sensitivity to Cry1AcF toxin. As the laboratory populations of G. mellonella develop Bt resistance in a relatively short time, molecular characterization of Cry receptor genes in G. mellonella performed in the present study may provide some useful information for future research related to the genetic basis of Bt resistance in the model insect.

Cationic protein 8 plays multiple roles in Galleria mellonella immunity

Galleria mellonella cationic protein 8 (GmCP8) is a hemolymph protein previously identified as an opsonin and an inhibitor of fungal proteases. In this work, we showed its bactericidal activity toward Pseudomonas entomophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus thuringiensis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli and against yeast-like fungi Candida albicans. The activity against E. coli was correlated with bacterial membrane permeabilization. In turn, in the case of P. entomophila, B. thuringiensis, and C. albicans, the atomic force microscopy analysis of the microbial surface showed changes in the topography of cells and changes in their nanomechanical properties. GmCP8 also showed the inhibitory activity toward the serine protease trypsin and the metalloproteinase thermolysin. The expression of the gene encoding the GmCP8 protein did not increase either in the gut or in the fat body of G. mellonella after oral infection with P. entomophila. Similarly, the amount of GmCP8 in the hemolymph of G. mellonella did not change in immune-challenged insects. However, when GmCP8 was injected into the G. mellonella hemocel, a change in the survival curve was observed in the infected larvae. Our results shed new light on the function of GmCP8 protein in insect immunity, indicating its role in humoral defence mechanisms.

Galleria mellonella as a Novel In Vivo Model to Screen Natural Product-Derived Modulators of Innate Immunity

Immunomodulators are drugs that either stimulate or suppress the immune system in response to an immunopathological disease or cancer. The majority of clinically approved immunomodulators are either chemically synthesised (e.g., dexamethasone) or protein-based (e.g., monoclonal antibodies), whose uses are limited due to toxicity issues, poor bioavailability, or prohibitive cost. Nature is an excellent source of novel compounds, as it is estimated that almost half of all licenced medicines are derived from nature or inspired by natural product (NP) structures. The clinical success of the fungal-derived immunosuppressant cyclosporin A demonstrates the potential of natural products as immunomodulators. Conventionally, the screening of NP molecules for immunomodulation is performed in small animal models; however, there is a growing impetus to replace animal models with more ethical alternatives. One novel approach is the use of Galleria melonella larvae as an in vivo model of immunity. Despite lacking adaptive antigen-specific immunity, this insect possesses an innate immune system comparable to mammals. In this review, we will describe studies that have used this alternative in vivo model to assess the immunomodulating activity of synthetic and NP-derived compounds, outline the array of bioassays employed, and suggest strategies to enhance the use of this model in future research.

Octanoic Acid-An Insecticidal Metabolite of Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomopthorales) That Affects Two Majors Antifungal Protection Systems in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera): Cuticular Lipids and Hemocytes

The food flavour additive octanoic acid (C8:0) is also a metabolite of the entomopathogenic fungus Conidiobolus coronatus, which efficiently infects and rapidly kills Galleria mellonella. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of C8:0 in insecticidal fraction FR3 extracted from C. coronatus filtrate. Topical administration of C8:0 had a dose-dependent effect on survival rates of larvae but not on pupation or adult eclosion times of the survivors. Topically applied C8:0 was more toxic to adults than larvae (LD100 for adults 18.33 ± 2.49 vs. 33.56 ± 2.57 µg/mg of body mass for larvae). The administration of C8:0 on the cuticle of larvae and adults, in amounts corresponding to their LD50 and LD100 doses, had a considerable impact on the two main defense systems engaged in protecting against pathogens, causing serious changes in the developmental-stage-specific profiles of free fatty acids (FFAs) covering the cuticle of larvae and adults and damaging larval hemocytes. In vitro cultures of G. mellonella hemocytes, either directly treated with C8:0 or taken from C8:0 treated larvae, revealed deformation of hemocytes, disordered networking, late apoptosis, and necrosis, as well as caspase 1-9 activation and elevation of 8-OHdG level. C8:0 was also confirmed to have a cytotoxic effect on the SF-9 insect cell line, as determined by WST-1 and LDH tests.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Fotenticine and Methylene Blue on Planktonic Growth, Biofilms, and Burn Infections of Acinetobacter baumannii

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is considered a promising alternative strategy to control Acinetobacter baumannii infections. In this study, we evaluated the action of aPDT mediated by a new photosensitizer derivative from chlorin e-6 (Fotoenticine—FTC) on A. baumannii, comparing its effects with methylene blue (MB). For this, aPDT was applied on A. baumannii in planktonic growth, biofilms, and burn infections in Galleria mellonella. The absorption of FTC and MB by bacterial cells was also evaluated using microscopic and spectrophotometric analysis. The results of planktonic cultures showed that aPDT reduced the number of viable cells compared to the non-treated group for the reference and multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains. These reductions varied from 1.4 to 2 log10 CFU for FTC and from 2 log10 CFU to total inhibition for MB. In biofilms, aPDT with MB reduced 3.9 log10 CFU of A. baumannii, whereas FTC had no effect on the cell counts. In G. mellonella, only MB-mediated aPDT had antimicrobial activity on burn injuries, increasing the larvae survival by 35%. Both photosensitizers were internalized by bacterial cells, but MB showed a higher absorption compared to FTC. In conclusion, MB had greater efficacy than FTC as a photosensitizer in aPDT against A. baumannii.

Effects of Cu, Zn and their mixtures on bioaccumulation and antioxidant enzyme activities in Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The effects of Cu, Zn and their mixture on bioaccumulation and antioxidant enzyme activities of midgut and fat body of Galleria mellonella larvae were investigated. Exposure to mixtures of both metals showed a synergistic effect and the accumulation levels were increased in both tissues. When the metals were exposed separately the concentration of Zn increased in both tissues, whereas the concentration of Cu increased in midgut and decreased in fat body. Also, it was determined that, oxidative stress occurred in the midgut and fat body when G. mellonella larvae were fed singly and in a mixture with different concentrations of Cu and Zn. In addition, significant changes were observed in antioxidant and detoxification enzyme activities, which are an indicator of oxidative stress. Larvae of G. mellonella showed immune responses similar to vertebrates, and could be used as bioindicator species due to being grown easily in the laboratory and reduced research costs Understanding the detoxification mechanism in insects is an important parameter for future ecotoxicological studies on the genotoxic, cytotoxic and physiological effects that different environmental pollutants such as heavy metals can cause.

Fat on plastic: Metabolic consequences of an LDPE diet in the fat body of the greater wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella)

The caterpillar larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) are avid plastivores, as when provided a diet of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) they actively feed on it. Recent work has highlighted the importance of their microbiome in the putative biodegradation of this plastic polymer, though the impact of plastic metabolism on the insect host is less clear. In the present study, we undertook an integrative approach spanning all levels of biological organization to explore the effects of a plastic diet on the metabolic physiology of this animal model of plastic biodegradation. We demonstrate that an LDPE diet is not sufficient to maintain optimal larval growth and survival. In addition, we confirm that plastic fed waxworms retain their fat body lipid stores in a manner proportional to their individual polyethylene consumption suggesting a direct effect of LDPE biodegradation. At the functional level, the oxidative capacity of the fat body of LDPE-fed larvae is maintained reflecting unaltered metabolic function of the tissue. Finally, metabolomic analyses confirmed fat body lipid stores maintenance in LDPE-fed worms, but uncovered various other nutritional deficiencies. Overall, this work unveils novel insights in the complex interplay between LDPE biodegradation and the metabolic physiology of this model plastivore.

RNase R, a New Virulence Determinant of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Pneumococcal infections have increasingly high mortality rates despite the availability of vaccines and antibiotics. Therefore, the identification of new virulence determinants and the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind pathogenesis have become of paramount importance in the search of new targets for drug development. The exoribonuclease RNase R has been involved in virulence in a growing number of pathogens. In this work, we used Galleria mellonella as an infection model to demonstrate that the presence of RNase R increases the pneumococcus virulence. Larvae infected with the RNase R mutant show an increased expression level of antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, they have a lower bacterial load in the hemolymph in the later stages of infection, leading to a higher survival rate of the larvae. Interestingly, pneumococci expressing RNase R show a sudden drop in bacterial numbers immediately after infection, resembling the eclipse phase observed after intravenous inoculation in mice. Concomitantly, we observed a lower number of mutant bacteria inside larval hemocytes and a higher susceptibility to oxidative stress when compared to the wild type. Together, our results indicate that RNase R is involved in the ability of pneumococci to evade the host immune response, probably by interfering with internalization and/or replication inside the larval hemocytes.

Infection of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) Larvae With the Entomopathogenic Fungus Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomophthorales) Induces Apoptosis of Hemocytes and Affects the Concentration of Eicosanoids in the Hemolymph

Apoptosis and autophagy, the mechanisms of programmed cell death, play critical roles in physiological and pathological processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Apoptosis is also known to play an important role in the immune response, particularly in the context of entomopathogenic infection. Of the factors influencing the apoptotic process during infection, two of the lesser known groups are caspases and eicosanoids. The aim of this study was to determine whether infection by the entomopathogenic soil fungus Conidiobolus coronatus is associated with apoptosis and changes in caspase activity in the hemocytes of Galleria mellonella larvae, and to confirm whether fungal infection may affect eicosanoid levels in the host. Larvae were exposed for 24 h to fully grown and sporulating fungus. Hemolymph was collected either immediately after termination of exposure (F24 group) or 24 h later (F48 group). Apoptosis/necrosis tests were performed in hemocytes using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, while ELISA tests were used to measure eicosanoid levels. Apoptosis and necrosis occurred to the same degree in F24, but necrosis predominated in F48. Fungal infection resulted in caspase activation, increased PGE1, PGE2, PGA1, PGF2α, and 8-iso-PGF2α levels and decreased TXB2 levels, but had no effect on TXA2 or 11-dehydro-TXB2 concentrations. In addition, infected larvae demonstrated significantly increased PLA2 activity, known to be involved in eicosanoid biosynthesis. Our findings indicate that fungal infection simultaneously induces apoptosis in insects and stimulates general caspase activity, and this may be correlated with changes in the concentrations of eicosanoids.

Galleria mellonella as a Suitable Model of Bacterial Infection: Past, Present and Future

The increasing interest for Galleria mellonella larvae as an infection model is evidenced by the number of papers reporting its use, which increases exponentially since the early 2010s. This popularity was initially linked to limitation of conventional animal models due to financial, technical and ethical aspects. In comparison, alternative models (e.g. models using Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster or G. mellonella) were cheap, simple to use and not limited by ethical regulation. Since then, similar results have been established with G. mellonella model comparatively to vertebrates, and it is more and more often used as a robust model per se, not only as an alternative to the murine model. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge supporting the development of this model, both on immunological and microbiological aspects. For that, we focus on investigation of virulence and new therapies for the most important pathogenic bacteria. We also discuss points out directions for standardization, as well as recent advances and new perspectives for monitoring host-pathogen interactions.

The metabolism and role of free fatty acids in key physiological processes in insects of medical, veterinary and forensic importance

Insects are the most widespread group of organisms and more than one million species have been described. These animals have significant ecological functions, for example they are pollinators of many types of plants. However, they also have direct influence on human life in different manners. They have high medical and veterinary significance, stemming from their role as vectors of disease and infection of wounds and necrotic tissue; they are also plant pests, parasitoids and predators whose activities can influence agriculture. In addition, their use in medical treatments, such as maggot therapy of gangrene and wounds, has grown considerably. They also have many uses in forensic science to determine the minimum post-mortem interval and provide valuable information about the movement of the body, cause of the death, drug use, or poisoning. It has also been proposed that they may be used as model organisms to replace mammal systems in research. The present review describes the role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in key physiological processes in insects. By focusing on insects of medical, veterinary significance, we have limited our description of the physiological processes to those most important from the point of view of insect control; the study examines their effects on insect reproduction and resistance to the adverse effects of abiotic (low temperature) and biotic (pathogens) factors.

A toxicological perspective of plastic biodegradation by insect larvae

Larvae of some insect species (Coleoptera and Lepidoptera) can consume and biodegrade synthetic polymers, including polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene. Multiple chemical (polymer mass loss and shift of the molecular weight, alterations in chemical functionality, formation of biodegraded intermediates, CO₂ production), physical (surface hydrophobicity, thermal analysis), and biological approaches (antibiotic treatment, gut dysbiosis, isolation of plastic microbial degraders) have provided evidence for polymer biodegradation in the larva digestive tract. However, the extent and rate of biodegradation largely depend on the physicochemical structure of the polymer as well as the presence of additives. Additionally, toxicology associated with plastic biodegradation has not been investigated. This knowledge gap is critical to understand the gut symbiont-host interaction in the biodegradation process, its viability in the long term, the effects of plastic additives and their metabolites, and the phenotypic traits linked to a plastic-rich diet might be transferred in successive generations. Likewise, plastic-eating larvae represent a unique case study for elucidating the mechanisms of toxic action by micro- and nanoplastics because of the high concentration of plastics these organisms may be intentionally exposed to. This perspective review graphically summarizes the current knowledge on plastic biodegradation by insect larvae and describes the physiological processes (digestive and immune systems) that may be disrupted by micro- and nanoplastics. It also provides an outlook to advance current knowledge on the toxicity assessment of plastic-rich diets and the environmental risks of plastic-containing by-products (e.g., insect manure used as fertilizer).

The Anti-Biofilm Efficacy of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) In Vitro and a Murine Model of Oral Candidiasis

Candida albicans is the main fungal species associated with the development of oral candidiasis. Currently, therapeutic options for these infections are limited by the adverse effects of antifungal drugs and by the emergence of drug resistant strains. Thus, the development of new antifungal agents is needed for the prevention and treatment of oral Candida infections. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural compound from propolis polyphenolic groups that exhibits many pharmacological properties. In this study, we investigated whether CAPE can have antifungal and immunomodulatory effects on oral candidiasis. Preliminary tests to assess the antifungal activity of CAPE were performed using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay that demonstrated inhibition in a range from 16 to 32 μg/mL, confirming its antifungal activity on several C. albicans strains isolated from the oral cavity. Subsequently, we analyzed Candida spp biofilms formed in vitro, in which CAPE treatment at 5 x MIC caused a reduction of 68.5% in the total biomass and ~2.60 Log in the viable cell count (CFU/mL) in relation to the untreated biofilm (p<0.0001). Next, RNA was extracted from untreated and CAPE-treated biofilms and analyzed by real-time qPCR. A series of genes analyzed (ALS1, ECE1, EPA1, HWP1, YWP1, BCR1, BGR1, CPH1, EFG1, NDT80, ROB1, TEC1, UME6, SAP2, SAP5, PBL2, and LIP9) were downregulated by CAPE compared to the untreated control group (p<0.0001). In in vivo studies using Galleria mellonella, the treatment with CAPE prolonged survival of larvae infected by C. albicans by 44.5% (p < 0.05) and accompanied by a 2.07-fold increase in the number of hemocytes. Flow cytometry revealed the most prominent increases were in types P2 and P3 hemocytes, granular cells, which phagocytize pathogens. In addition, CAPE treatment decreased the fungal load in the hemolymph and stimulated the expression of antifungal peptide genes such as galiomicin and gallerimycin. The antifungal and immunomodulatory activities observed in G. mellonella were extended to a murine model of oral candidiasis, in which CAPE decreased the levels of C. albicans colonization (~2 log CFU/mL) in relation to the untreated control group. In addition, CAPE treatment significantly reduced pseudomembranous lesions, invasion of hyphae on epithelium surfaces, tissue damage and inflammatory infiltrate (p < 0.05). CAPE was also able to increase the expression of β-defensin 3 compared to the infected and untreated group by 3.91-fold (p < 0.0001). Taken together, these results show that CAPE has both antifungal and immunomodulatory effects, making it a promising natural antifungal agent for the treatment and prevention of candidiasis and shows impact to oral candidiasis.

Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone Promote Cell Proliferation, Capsule Enlargement, and in vivo Dissemination of C. neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals, who often have some inflammatory condition and, therefore, end up using glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone and methylprednisolone. Although the effects of this class of molecules during cryptococcosis have been investigated, their consequences for the biology of C. neoformans is less explored. Here, we studied the effects of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone on the metabolism and on the induction of virulence factors in C. neoformans. Our results showed that both glucocorticoids increased fungal cell proliferation and surface electronegativity but reduced capsule and secreted polysaccharide sizes, as well as capsule compaction, by decreasing the density of polysaccharide fibers. We also tested whether glucocorticoids could affect the fungal virulence in Galleria mellonella and mice. Although the survival rate of Galleria larvae increased, those from mice showed a tendency to decrease, with infected animals dying earlier after glucocorticoid treatments. The pathogenesis of spread of cryptococcosis and the interleukin secretion pattern were also assessed for lungs and brains of infected mice. While increases in the spread of the fungus to lungs were observed after treatment with glucocorticoids, a significant difference in brain was observed only for methylprednisolone, although a trend toward increasing was also observed for dexamethasone. Moreover, increases in both pulmonary and cerebral IL-10 production, reduction of IL-6 production but no changes in IL-4, IL-17, and INF-γ were also observed after glucocorticoid treatments. Finally, histopathological analysis confirmed the increase in number of fungal cells in lung and brain tissues of mice previously subjected to dexamethasone or methylprednisolone treatments. Together, our results provide compelling evidence for the effects of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone on the biology of C. neoformans and may have important implications for future clinical treatments, calling attention to the risks of using these glucocorticoids against cryptococcosis or in immunocompromised individuals.

Transcriptomic Insights into the Insect Immune Response to Nematode Infection

Insects in nature interact with a wide variety of microbial enemies including nematodes. These include entomopathogenic nematodes that contain mutualistic bacteria and together are able to infect a broad range of insects in order to complete their life cycle and multiply, filarial nematodes which are vectored by mosquitoes, and other parasitic nematodes. Entomopathogenic nematodes are commonly used in biological control practices and they form excellent research tools for understanding the genetic and functional bases of nematode pathogenicity and insect anti-nematode immunity. In addition, clarifying the mechanism of transmission of filarial nematodes by mosquitoes is critical for devising strategies to reduce disease transmission in humans. In all cases and in order to achieve these goals, it is vital to determine the number and type of insect host genes which are differentially regulated during infection and encode factors with anti-nematode properties. In this respect, the use of transcriptomic approaches has proven a key step for the identification of insect molecules with anti-nematode activity. Here, we review the progress in the field of transcriptomics that deals with the insect response to nematode infection. This information is important because it will expose conserved pathways of anti-nematode immunity in humans.

Exploring Galleria mellonella larval model to evaluate antibacterial efficacy of Cecropin A (1-7)-Melittin against multi-drug resistant enteroaggregative Escherichia coli

High throughput in vivo laboratory models is need for screening and identification of effective therapeutic agents to overcome microbial drug-resistance. This study was undertaken to evaluate in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of short-chain antimicrobial peptide- Cecropin A (1-7)-Melittin (CAMA) against three multi-drug resistant enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (MDR-EAEC) field isolates in a Galleria mellonella larval model. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC; 2.0 mg/L) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC; 4.0 mg/L) of CAMA were determined by microdilution assay. CAMA was found to be stable at high temperatures, physiological concentration of cationic salts and proteases; safe with sheep erythrocytes, secondary cell lines and commensal lactobacilli at lower MICs; and exhibited membrane permeabilization. In vitro time-kill assay revealed concentration- and time-dependent clearance of MDR-EAEC in CAMA-treated groups at 30 min. CAMA- treated G. mellonella larvae exhibited an increased survival rate, reduced MDR-EAEC counts, immunomodulatory effect and proved non-toxic which concurred with histopathological findings. CAMA exhibited either an equal or better efficacy than the tested antibiotic control, meropenem. This study highlights the possibility of G. mellonella larvae as an excellent in vivo model for investigating the host-pathogen interaction, including the efficacy of antimicrobials against MDR-EAEC strains.