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Ahlawat S, Sharma KK. Lepidopteran insects: emerging model organisms to study infection by enteropathogens. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2022; 68:181-196. [PMID: 36417090 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-022-01014-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The in vivo analysis of a pathogen is a critical step in gaining greater knowledge of pathogen biology and host-pathogen interactions. In the last two decades, there has been a notable rise in the number of studies on developing insects as a model for studying pathogens, which provides various benefits, such as ethical acceptability, relatively short life cycle, and cost-effective care and maintenance relative to routinely used rodent infection models. Furthermore, lepidopteran insects provide many advantages, such as easy handling and tissue extraction due to their large size relative to other invertebrate models, like Caenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, insects have an innate immune system that is highly analogous to vertebrates. In the present review, we discuss the components of the insect's larval immune system, which strengthens its usage as an alternative host, and present an updated overview of the research findings involving lepidopteran insects (Galleria mellonella, Manduca sexta, Bombyx mori, and Helicoverpa armigera) as infection models to study the virulence by enteropathogens due to the homology between insect and vertebrate gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Ahlawat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurgaon-Badli Road Chandu, Budhera, Gurugram, 122505, Haryana, India.
| | - Krishna Kant Sharma
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Recombinant DNA Technology, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India
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Wang Q, Sun Z, Ma S, Liu X, Xia H, Chen K. Molecular mechanism and potential application of bacterial infection in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 131:104381. [PMID: 35245606 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As a representative species of Lepidoptera, Bombyx mori has been widely studied and applied. However, bacterial infection has always been an important pathogen threatening the growth of silkworms. Bombyx mori can resist various pathogenic bacteria through their own physical barrier and innate immune system. However, compared with other insects, such as Drosophila melanogaster, research on the antibacterial mechanism of silkworms is still in its infancy. This review systematically summarized the routes of bacterial infection in silkworms, the antibacterial mechanism of silkworms after ingestion or wounding infection, and the intestinal bacteria and infection of silkworms. Finally, we will discuss silkworms as a model animal for studying bacterial infectious diseases and screening antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zhonghe Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shangshang Ma
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiaoyong Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hengchuan Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Keping Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Mahmoud S, Hassab El-Nabi S, Hawash A, El-Seedi HR, Khalifa SAM, Ullah S, Al-Sehemi AG, El-Garawani IM. Curcumin-Injected Musca domestica Larval Hemolymph: Cecropin Upregulation and Potential Anticancer Effect. Molecules 2022; 27:1570. [PMID: 35268671 PMCID: PMC8911634 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over recent decades, much attention has been given to imply the natural products in cancer therapy alone or in combination with other established procedures. Insects have a rich history in traditional medicine across the globe, which holds promise for the future of natural product drug discovery. Cecropins, peptides produced by insects, are components of a defense system against infections and are well known to exert antimicrobial and antitumor capabilities. The present study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the role of curcumin in enhancing the anticancer effect of Musca domestica larval hemolymph. Third larval instars of M. domestica were injected with curcumin and the hemolymph was picked at 4, 8, and 24 h post-curcumin injection. M. domestica cecropin A (MdCecA) was evaluated in control and injected larval hemolymphs. The cytotoxicity on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) and normal Vero cells was assessed to be comparable to control larval hemolymph. Curcumin-injected larval hemolymphs exhibited significant cytotoxicity with respect to the uninjected ones against MCF-7; however, Vero cells showed no cytotoxicity. The IC50 was 106 ± 2.9 and 388 ± 9.2 μg/mL for the hemolymphs of injected larvae at 4 and 8 h, respectively, while the control larval hemolymph revealed the IC50 of >500 μg/mL. For mechanistic anticancer evaluation, concentrations of 30, 60, and 100 μg/mL of curcumin-injected larval hemolymphs were examined. A significant G2/M cell cycle arrest was observed, confirming the anti-proliferative properties of hemolymphs over the tested concentrations. The MdCecA transcripts were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated at 4 and 8 h post-injection, while a significant downregulation was observed after 24 h. Cecropin quantification by LC−MS revealed that MdCecA peptides have the highest expression in the hemolymph of the treated larvae at 8 h relative to the control group. The upregulation of cecropin expression at mRNA and protein levels may be attributed to the curcumin stimulation and linked to the increased cytotoxicity toward the cancer cell line. In conclusion, the results suggest that the apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of M. domestica hemolymph on MCF-7 cells following the curcumin injection can be used as a natural candidate in future pharmaceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Mahmoud
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia 32511, Egypt; (S.M.); (S.H.E.-N.); (A.H.)
| | - Sobhy Hassab El-Nabi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia 32511, Egypt; (S.M.); (S.H.E.-N.); (A.H.)
| | - Asmaa Hawash
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia 32511, Egypt; (S.M.); (S.H.E.-N.); (A.H.)
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Dentistry, Sinai University, Ismailia 41632, Egypt
| | - Hesham R. El-Seedi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia 32511, Egypt
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Shaden A. M. Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Sami Ullah
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; (S.U.); (A.G.A.-S.)
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah G. Al-Sehemi
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; (S.U.); (A.G.A.-S.)
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Islam M. El-Garawani
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia 32511, Egypt; (S.M.); (S.H.E.-N.); (A.H.)
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Ajingi YS, Rukying N, Aroonsri A, Jongruja N. Recombinant active Peptides and their Therapeutic functions. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:645-663. [PMID: 34225618 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210702123934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant active peptides are utilized as diagnostic and biotherapeutics in various maladies and as bacterial growth inhibitors in the food industry. This consequently stimulated the need for recombinant peptides' production, which resulted in about 19 approved biotech peptides of 1-100 amino acids commercially available. While most peptides have been produced by chemical synthesis, the production of lengthy and complicated peptides comprising natural amino acids has been problematic with low quantity. Recombinant peptide production has become very vital, cost-effective, simple, environmentally friendly with satisfactory yields. Several reviews have focused on discussing expression systems, advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives strategies. Additionally, the information on the antimicrobial activities and other functions of multiple recombinant peptides is challenging to access and is scattered in literature apart from the food and drug administration (FDA) approved ones. From the reports that come to our knowledge, there is no existing review that offers substantial information on recombinant active peptides developed by researchers and their functions. This review provides an overview of some successfully produced recombinant active peptides of ≤100 amino acids by focusing on their antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, antimalarial, and immune-modulatory functions. It also elucidates their modes of expression that could be adopted and applied in future investigations. We expect that the knowledge available in this review would help researchers involved in recombinant active peptide development for therapeutic uses and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya'u Sabo Ajingi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok. Thailand
| | - Neeranuch Rukying
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil. Nigeria
| | - Aiyada Aroonsri
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Pathum Thani. Thailand
| | - Nujarin Jongruja
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil. Nigeria
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Xu P, Lv D, Wang X, Wang Y, Hou C, Gao K, Guo X. Inhibitory effects of Bombyx mori antimicrobial peptide cecropins on esophageal cancer cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 887:173434. [PMID: 32763299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Bombyx mori antimicrobial peptides (BmAMPs) are important effectors in silkworm immune system. They can inhibit and kill a variety of bacteria and fungi. Recent studies have shown that some kinds of BmAMPs exert strong inhibitory effects on a variety of tumor cells. In the present study, the antitumor activity of BmAMP Cecropin A (BmCecA) and BmAMP Cecropin D (BmCecD) was investigated against human esophageal cancer cells and their antitumor mechanism preliminary explored. Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays indicated that BmCecA and BmCecD suppressed cell proliferation and reduced colony formation of both Eca109 and TE13 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but exhibited no inhibitory effect on normal human embryonic kidney 293T cells. Wound healing and invasion experiments indicated that both BmCecA and BmCecD inhibited migration and invasion of Eca109 and TE13 cells in vitro. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry detection suggested that BmCecA induced the apoptosis of Eca109 cells in a dose-dependent manner. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis showed that BmCecA induced apoptosis of Eca109 cells through the activation of a mitochondria-mediated caspase pathway, the upregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein and the downregulation of Bcl-2. In addition, BmCecA significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in Eca109-bearing mice. These results suggested that BmCecA and BmCecD might serve as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212018, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dingding Lv
- Nursing School, Zhenjiang College, Zhenjiang, 21200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xihui Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212018, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengxiang Hou
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212018, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kun Gao
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212018, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xijie Guo
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212018, Jiangsu, China.
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6
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Intrinsic antimicrobial properties of silk spun by genetically modified silkworm strains. Transgenic Res 2018; 27:87-101. [PMID: 29435708 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-018-0059-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, is a fundamental insect for silk industry. Silk is obtained from cocoons, protective envelopes produced during pupation and composed of single raw silk filaments secreted by the insect silk glands. Currently, silk is used as a textile fibre and to produce new materials for technical and biomedical applications. To enhance the use of both fabrics and silk-based materials, great efforts to obtain silk with antimicrobial properties have been made. In particular, a convincing approach is represented by the enrichment of the textile fibre with antimicrobial peptides, the main effectors of the innate immunity. To this aim, silkworm-based transgenic techniques appear to be cost-effective strategies to obtain cocoons in which antimicrobial peptides are integrated among the silk proteins. Recently, cocoons transgenic for a recombinant silk protein conjugated to the silkworm Cecropin B antimicrobial peptide were obtained and showed enhanced antibacterial properties (Li et al. in Mol Biol Rep 42:19-25, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-014-3735-z , 2015a). In this work we used the piggyBac-mediated germline transformation to generate several transgenic B. mori lines able to overexpress Cecropin B or Moricin antimicrobial peptides at the level of the silk gland. The derived cocoons were characterised by increased antimicrobial properties and the resulting silk fibre was able to inhibit the bacterial growth of the Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Our results suggest that the generation of silkworm overexpressing unconjugated antimicrobial peptides in the silk gland might represent an additional strategy to obtain antimicrobial peptide-enriched silk, for the production of new silk-based materials.
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Liu WT, Tu WC, Lin CH, Yang UC, Chen CC. Involvement of cecropin B in the formation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito cuticle. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16395. [PMID: 29180688 PMCID: PMC5703890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16625-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we found a mosquito antimicrobial peptide (AMP), Aedes aegypti cecropin B (Aacec B), was expressed constitutively in pupae. Knockdown in the pupae of Aacec B using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) resulted in high mortality, the emergence of deformed adults and an impairment of pharate adult cuticle formation with fewer lamellae being deposited and the helicoidal pattern of the chitin microfibrils being disorganized. Simultaneous injection of Aacec B dsRNA and Aacec B peptide into pupae significantly reduced this mortality and no deformed adults then emerged. The expression levels of Ae. aegypti prophenoloxidase (AaPPO) 3 and AaPPO 4 were significantly reduced in the Aacec B knockdown pupae. Exogenous Aacec B peptide significantly enhanced the transcription of AaPPO 3 in pupae. Knockdown of AaPPO 3 in pupae caused effects similar to Aacec B-knockdown. The Aacec B peptide could be detected in both the cytoplasm and nuclei of pupal cells and was able to bind to the TTGG(A/C)A motif in AaPPO 3 DNA both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that Aacec B plays a crucial role in pharate adult cuticle formation via the regulation of AaPPO 3 gene expression in pupae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ting Liu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wu-Chun Tu
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chao-Hsiung Lin
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ueng-Cheng Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang-Ming University, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Chen Chen
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC.
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Wojda I. Immunity of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:342-357. [PMID: 26847724 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Investigation of insect immune mechanisms provides important information concerning innate immunity, which in many aspects is conserved in animals. This is one of the reasons why insects serve as model organisms to study virulence mechanisms of human pathogens. From the evolutionary point of view, we also learn a lot about host-pathogen interaction and adaptation of organisms to conditions of life. Additionally, insect-derived antibacterial and antifungal peptides and proteins are considered for their potential to be applied as alternatives to antibiotics. While Drosophila melanogaster is used to study the genetic aspect of insect immunity, Galleria mellonella serves as a good model for biochemical research. Given the size of the insect, it is possible to obtain easily hemolymph and other tissues as a source of many immune-relevant polypeptides. This review article summarizes our knowledge concerning G. mellonella immunity. The best-characterized immune-related proteins and peptides are recalled and their short characteristic is given. Some other proteins identified at the mRNA level are also mentioned. The infectious routes used by Galleria natural pathogens such as Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana are also described in the context of host-pathogen interaction. Finally, the plasticity of G. mellonella immune response influenced by abiotic and biotic factors is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Wojda
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
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Molecular Cloning, Bioinformatic Analysis, and Expression of Bombyx mori Lebocin 5 Gene Related to Beauveria bassiana Infection. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:9390803. [PMID: 28194425 PMCID: PMC5282435 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9390803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A full-length cDNA of lebocin 5 (BmLeb5) was first cloned from silkworm, Bombyx mori, by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The BmLeb5 gene is 808 bp in length and the open reading frame encodes a 179-amino acid hydroxyproline-rich peptide. Bioinformatic analysis results showed that BmLeb5 owns an O-glycosylation site and four RXXR motifs as other lebocins. Sequence similarity and phylogenic analysis results indicated that lebocins form a multiple gene family in silkworm as cecropins. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that BmLeb5 was highest expressed in the fat body. In the silkworm larvae infected by Beauveria bassiana, the expression level of BmLeb5 was upregulated in the fat body and hemolymph which are the most important immune tissues in silkworm. The recombinant protein of BmLeb5 was for the first time successfully expressed with prokaryotic expression system and purified. There are no reports so far that the expression of lebocins could be induced by entomopathogenic fungus. Our study suggested that BmLeb5 might play an important role in the immune response of silkworm to defend B. bassiana infection. The results also provided helpful information for further studying the lebocin family functioned in antifungal immune response in the silkworm.
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Wu K, Yang B, Huang W, Dobens L, Song H, Ling E. Gut immunity in Lepidopteran insects. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 64:65-74. [PMID: 26872544 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lepidopteran insects constitute one of the largest fractions of animals on earth, but are considered pests in their relationship with man. Key to the success of this order of insects is its ability to digest food and absorb nutrition, which takes place in the midgut. Because environmental microorganisms can easily enter Lepidopteran guts during feeding, the innate immune response guards against pathogenic bacteria, virus and microsporidia that can be devoured with food. Gut immune responses are complicated by both resident gut microbiota and the surrounding peritrophic membrane and are distinct from immune responses in the body cavity, which depend on the function of the fat body and hemocytes. Due to their relevance to agricultural production, studies of Lepidopteran insect midgut and immunity are receiving more attention, and here we summarize gut structures and functions, and discuss how these confer immunity against different microorganisms. It is expected that increased knowledge of Lepidopteran gut immunity may be utilized for pest biological control in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wuren Huang
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan 571101, China
| | - Leonard Dobens
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 5007 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Hongsheng Song
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Erjun Ling
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Bombyx mori cecropin A has a high antifungal activity to entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Gene 2016; 583:29-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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12
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Ouyang L, Xu X, Freed S, Gao Y, Yu J, Wang S, Ju W, Zhang Y, Jin F. Cecropins from Plutella xylostella and Their Interaction with Metarhizium anisopliae. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142451. [PMID: 26544076 PMCID: PMC4636316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cecropins are the most potent induced peptides to resist invading microorganisms. In the present study, two full length cDNA encoding cecropin2 (Px-cec2) and cecropin3 (Px-cec3) were obtained from P. xylostella by integrated analysis of genome and transcriptome data. qRT-PCR analysis revealed the high levels of transcripts of Px-cecs (Px-cec1, Px-cec2 and Px-cec3) in epidermis, fat body and hemocytes after 24, 30 and 36 h induction of Metarhizium anisopliae, respectively. Silencing of Spätzle and Dorsal separately caused the low expression of cecropins in the fat body, epidermis and hemocytes, and made the P.xylostella larvae more susceptible to M. anisopliae. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that the purified recombinant cecropins, i.e., Px-cec1, Px-cec2 and Px-cec3, exerted a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against fungi, as well as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Especially, Px-cecs showed higher activity against M. anisopliae than another selected fungi isolates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that cecropins exerted the vital morphological alterations to the spores of M. anisopliae. Based on our results, cecropins played an imperative role in resisting infection of M. anisopliae, which will provide the foundation of biological control of insect pests by using cecorpins as a target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Ouyang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
| | - Shoaib Freed
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Yanfu Gao
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
| | - Jing Yu
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Wang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
| | - Wenyan Ju
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
| | - Fengliang Jin
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
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Xu HP, Hao W, He D, Xu YS. Smt3 is required for the immune response of silkworm, Bombyx mori. Biochimie 2010; 92:1306-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2010.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Barandoc KP, Kim J, Kim Y. Cotesia plutellae bracovirus suppresses expression of an antimicrobial peptide, cecropin, in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, challenged by bacteria. J Microbiol 2010; 48:117-23. [PMID: 20221739 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-009-9261-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An endoparasitoid wasp, Cotesia plutellae, induces significant immunosuppression of host insect, Plutella xylostella. This study was focused on suppression in humoral immune response of P. xylostella parasitized by C. plutellae. An EST database of P. xylostella provided a putative cecropin gene (PxCec) which is 627 bp long and encodes 66 amino acids. A signal peptide (22 amino acids) is predicted and two putative O-glycosylation sites in threonine are located at positions 58 and 64. Without bacterial infection, PxCec was expressed in pupa and adult stages but not in the egg and larval stages. Upon bacterial challenge, however, the larvae expressed PxCec as early as 3 h post infection (PI) and maintained high expression levels at 12-24 h PI. By 48 h PI, its expression noticeably diminished. All tested tissues of bacteria-infected P. xylostella showed PxCec expression. However, other microbes, such as virus and fungus, did not induce the PxCec expression. Parasitization by C. plutellae suppressed the expression of PxCec in response to bacterial challenge. Among the parasitic factors of C. plutellae, its symbiotic virus (C. plutellae bracovirus: CpBV) alone was able to inhibit the expression of PxCec of P. xylostella challenged by bacteria. These results indicate that PxCec expression is regulated by both immune and developmental processes in P. xylostella. The parasitization by C. plutellae inhibited the expression of PxCec by the wasp's symbiotic virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen P Barandoc
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Republic of Korea
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15
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Nakahara Y, Shimura S, Ueno C, Kanamori Y, Mita K, Kiuchi M, Kamimura M. Purification and characterization of silkworm hemocytes by flow cytometry. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 33:439-448. [PMID: 18840462 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2008.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Revised: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 09/03/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Hemocyte functions are well-investigated in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, however, detailed analysis of each hemocyte subset has been hampered by the lack of appropriate separation method. Here we use an array of flow cytometric analyses to characterize silkworm hemocytes with various molecular probes, such as propidium iodide, green fluorescence protein, monoclonal antibodies, and fluorescent lectins. Of these, separation using propidium iodide was the simplest and provided most reliable results for the isolation of the hemocyte subsets. cDNAs were then synthesized from these sorted populations and subset-specific gene expression was examined by RT-PCR. Granulocytes, plasmatocytes, and oenocytoids expressed different classes of immune genes, suggesting that they have multiple roles in silkworm immunity. In contrast, a contribution of spherulocytes to immunity was not documented in that they failed to express most of the genes. The functions of spherulocytes are thus likely to be distinct from those of the other three hemocyte subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Nakahara
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
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16
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Bao Y, Yamano Y, Morishima I. Induction of hemolin gene expression by bacterial cell wall components in eri-silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 146:147-51. [PMID: 17126583 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2006.10.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2006] [Revised: 10/03/2006] [Accepted: 10/10/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A cDNA clone encoding hemolin was isolated from fat body of immunized Samia cynthia ricini larvae based on subtractive suppression hybridization method. The cDNA encodes 413 amino acid residue open reading frame with an 18 residue predicted signal peptide. The expression of the gene was strongly induced in fat body and midgut by an injection of bacterial cells or peptidoglycans, but very weakly by lipopolysaccharide. The mRNA expression in the fat body was detected as early as 3 h post-injection, and reached the peak level at 12 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyuan Bao
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
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17
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Yoe SM, Kang CS, Han SS, Bang IS. Characterization and cDNA cloning of hinnavin II, a cecropin family antibacterial peptide from the cabbage butterfly, Artogeia rapae. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2006; 144:199-205. [PMID: 16616565 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2006.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2005] [Revised: 01/08/2006] [Accepted: 02/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hinnavins, together with lysozymes, are the main types of antibacterial peptides/proteins previously isolated from the larval haemolymph of the cabbage butterfly, Artogeia rapae as part of the humoral immune response to a bacterial invasion. One of these antibacterial peptides, named hinnavin II, was purified and characterized after cDNA cloning. The purified hinnavin II was more active against Gram negative than against Gram positive bacteria. Hinnavin II also showed a powerful synergistic effect on the inhibition of bacterial growth with purified lysozyme. The cDNA has a total length of 186 bp with a 114 coding region. The deduced protein sequence contains 38 amino acids with a coding capacity of 4142.8 Da. The result of a multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis with Clustal W indicated that mature hinnavin II showed an approximately 78.9% amino acid sequence identity with cecropin A and originated from a group containing mostly lepidopteran cecropins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Moon Yoe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, South Korea
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18
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Saito A, Ueda K, Imamura M, Atsumi S, Tabunoki H, Miura N, Watanabe A, Kitami M, Sato R. Purification and cDNA cloning of a cecropin from the longicorn beetle, Acalolepta luxuriosa. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 142:317-23. [PMID: 16165382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2005.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2005] [Revised: 08/04/2005] [Accepted: 08/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned and characterized a novel antibacterial peptide from the hemolymph of the coleopteran insect Acalolepta luxuriosa, of the superfamily Cerambyocidea. This peptide is active against Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli, and the amino acid sequence deduced by cloning of the cDNA identifies it as a coleopteran cecropin. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses performed using Clustal X suggest that this cecropin is evolutionarily intermediate between dipteran and lepidopteran cecropins. The results of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry indicate that the mature form of this antibacterial peptide is 35 amino acid residues in length and has an amidated C-terminal isoleucine. This report is the first description of a cecropin from a coleopteran insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Saito
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Naka-cho 2-24-16, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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19
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Bao Y, Yamano Y, Morishima I. A novel lebocin-like gene from eri-silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini, that does not encode the antibacterial peptide lebocin. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 140:127-31. [PMID: 15621517 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2004.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2004] [Revised: 09/28/2004] [Accepted: 09/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A cDNA clone with homology to lebocin gene was isolated from fat body of immunized Samia cynthia ricini larvae. The cDNA has an open reading frame encoding 162 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence shows significant homology to lebocin precursor proteins from Bombyx mori and Trichoplusia ni only in the "prosegment" region, but no homology to mature lebocin, a proline-rich antibacterial peptide, indicating the protein is not a precursor for lebocin antibacterial peptide. Northern analysis indicates that transcript of the lebocin-like gene is not detected in any tissues of naive larvae, but induced mainly in fat body after injection of the larvae with bacterial cells or cell wall components, such as peptidoglycan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyuan Bao
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Koyama, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
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20
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Beetz S, Brinkmann M, Trenczek T. Differences between larval and pupal hemocytes of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, determined by monoclonal antibodies and density centrifugation. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2004; 50:805-819. [PMID: 15350501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2004.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2003] [Revised: 03/18/2004] [Accepted: 06/02/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Insect hemocytes play a major role in developmental processes where they disassociate and rebuild metamorphosing tissues while undergoing physiological changes themselves. We identified hemocyte changes from the last larval to the beginning of the pupal stage of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Larval and pupal hemocytes behaved differently in a 40% Percoll density gradient. Larval granular cells were found in almost all density layers, pupal granular cells were abundant in high density layers; larval plasmatocytes occurred in dense layers, pupal plasmatocytes became enriched in less dense layers of the gradient. Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies generated against purified hemocytes, several different antibody binding patterns were identified. Quantitative differences in staining intensities were observed more often than qualitative changes, e.g. a loss or a gain of staining. Both phenomena were related to both plasmatocytes and granular cells. The distribution of the corresponding antigens in tissues was tested on cross sections of larvae and pupae as well as in Western blot analyses using organ homogenates. Several antibodies were specific for hemocytes only, among which two antibodies bound to molecules of the hematopoietic organ. Other antibodies had an additional reactivity to other tissues, mainly to the basal lamina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Beetz
- Institut für Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Stephanstr. 24, 35390 Giessen, Germany
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21
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Bao Y, Mega K, Yamano Y, Morishima I. cDNA cloning and expression of bacteria-induced Hdd11 gene from eri-silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2003; 136:337-42. [PMID: 15012905 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2003.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2003] [Revised: 10/20/2003] [Accepted: 10/21/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A cDNA clone encoding Hdd11 protein, a bacteria-induced protein of unknown function, was isolated from fat body of immunized Samia cynthia ricini larvae based on suppression subtractive hybridization. The cDNA encodes a 167 amino acid residue open reading frame with an 18 residue predicted signal peptide. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 54% and 55% identity with Hdd11 proteins from Hyphantria cunea and Manduca sexta, respectively. Expression of the gene was undetectable in naive larvae when measured by Northern blot hybridization, but strongly induced in fat body after injecting bacterial cells or peptidoglycan into the larvae. The mRNA expression in the fat body was detected as early as 3 h post injection, reached peak levels at 12 h and continued for further 60 h at significant levels. The transcript was detected at very low levels in midgut, hemocytes and malpighian tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyuan Bao
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Tottori University, Koyama, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
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22
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Ockroy KS, Cole Webb TJ, Trenczek TE, Dorn S. Comparison of parasitism by Cotesia glomerata with bacterial infection and wounding in Pieris brassicae: induction of new haemolymph polypeptides and changes in humoral immune response. J Invertebr Pathol 2002; 81:12-8. [PMID: 12417208 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2011(02)00146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In Pieris brassicae, parasitism by Cotesia glomerata and bacterial infection are differentiated with respect to haemolymph protein arrays, and production or suppression of antibacterial agents. Bacteriolytic activity in haemolymph from parasitized larvae was slightly, but significantly, higher 24h post-treatment than that of untreated and wounded controls. Micrococcus lysodeikticus- or lipopolysaccharide-(LPS) injected insects exhibited an 11-fold greater response than those parasitized. At 24h post-treatment, antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli was observed in haemolymph from all but untreated larvae. Injection of Grace's medium, M. lysodeikticus or LPS, caused a greater than threefold response than parasitization or wounding. The protein banding patterns of parasitized hosts did not correspond to those of the other treatments. Two parasitoid-induced proteins (38 and 128 kDa) were examined. Both were found in parasitized insects, not in those wounded, injected with Grace's medium, M. lysodeikticus or LPS. Neither protein was bacteriolytic or bacteriostatic in inhibition zone assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Ockroy
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Applied Entomology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland
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23
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Abstract
Insects are amazingly resistant to bacterial infections. To combat pathogens, insects rely on cellular and humoral mechanisms, innate immunity being dominant in the latter category. Upon detection of bacteria, a complex genetic cascade is activated, which ultimately results in the synthesis of a battery of antibacterial peptides and their release into the haemolymph. The peptides are usually basic in character and are composed of 20-40 amino acid residues, although some smaller proteins are also included in the antimicrobial repertoire. While the proline-rich peptides and the glycine-rich peptides are predominantly active against Gram-negative strains, the defensins selectively kill Gram-positive bacteria and the cecropins are active against both types. The insect antibacterial peptides are very potent: their IC50 (50% of the bacterial growth inhibition) hovers in the submicromolar or low micromolar range. The majority of the peptides act through disintegrating the bacterial membrane or interfering with membrane assembly, with the exception of drosocin, apidaecin and pyrrhocoricin which appear to deactivate a bacterial protein in a stereospecific manner. In accordance with their biological function, the membrane-active peptides form ordered structures, e.g. alpha-helices or beta-pleated sheets and often cast permeable ion-pores. Their cytotoxic properties were exploited in in vivo studies targeting tumour progression. Although the native peptides degrade quickly in biological fluids other than insect haemolymph, structural modifications render the peptides resistant against proteases without sacrificing biological activity. Indeed, a pyrrhocoricin analogue shows lack of toxicity in vitro and in vivo and protects mice against experimental Escherichia coli infection. Careful selection of lead molecules based on the insect antibacterial peptides may extend their utility and produce viable alternatives to the conventional antimicrobial compounds for mammalian therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Otvos
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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24
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Choi CS, Lee IH, Kim E, Kim SI, Kim HR. Antibacterial properties and partial cDNA sequences of cecropin-like antibacterial peptides from the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2000; 125:287-97. [PMID: 11790350 DOI: 10.1016/s0742-8413(99)00117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The antibacterial properties and cDNA sequences of two types of antibacterial peptides from the haemolymph of immunized common cutworm, Spodoptera litura larvae, were determined. Since the primary structures of peptides deduced from cDNA sequences showed significant homologies to cecropins A and B, they were named as Spodoptera cecropins A and B. Spodoptera cecropins were broadly effective against Gram-positive and negative bacteria. They also retained antibacterial activities in all conditions tested (at pH 5.6-8.0 and in the presence of 50-150 mM NaCl) that was adapted to confirm the antibacterial properties of Spodoptera cecropins. These results indicate that the change of pH and the increase of salt concentration in the media do not influence the activities of Spodoptera cecropins. For the reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to obtain the complete primary sequence, the primer designed according to the conserved region of the cecropin leader sequences was used, which was determined by the comparison of the cDNA sequences of known cecropins. The results from RT-PCR presented that the partial cDNAs of Spodoptera cecropins A and B encode 57 and 58 amino acids, including the sequences of mature peptides, respectively. In addition, Northern blot analysis with (32)P-labeled PCR product coding for Spodoptera cecropin A revealed that Spodoptera cecropin genes are expressed in immunized fat body, but not in normal fat body.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Choi
- Department of Biology, Korea University, Anam-Dong 5-1, Seoul 136-701, South Korea
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25
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Yang J, Furukawa S, Sagisaka A, Ishibashi J, Taniai K, Shono T, Yamakawa M. cDNA cloning and gene expression of cecropin D, an antibacterial protein in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 1999; 122:409-14. [PMID: 10392453 DOI: 10.1016/s0305-0491(99)00015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We have isolated a cDNA clone encoding a cecropin D precursor from the fat body of Bombyx mori larvae immunized with bacteria by means of differential display. The cDNA contains 298 bp with a coding region of 183 bp for 61 amino acids plus a termination codon (TAG), a 5'-untranslated region of 36 bp, and a 3'-untranslated region of 79 bp including the poly(A) tail. There is a polyadenylation signal sequence of AATAAA at position 266, 43 nucleotides downstream from the termination codon TAG. The homology of the deduced amino acids is greater to the cecropin D precursor from Hyalophora cecropia (67% identity) than to the precursors of cecropins A and B from B. mori (49% to both). Northern blotting analyses reveal that the gene expression of cecropin D is detectable by 4 h after the bacterial injection and reaches the maximal level at 24 h. That high level is maintained up to 48 h post-immunization. Additionally, the gene is expressed mainly in the fat body and slightly in hemocytes, but it is undetectable in other tissues such as the midgut, the Malpighian tubule and silk gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Yang
- Laboratory of Biological Defense, National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science, Ibaraki, Japan
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26
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Koizumi N, Imamura M, Kadotani T, Yaoi K, Iwahana H, Sato R. The lipopolysaccharide-binding protein participating in hemocyte nodule formation in the silkworm Bombyx mori is a novel member of the C-type lectin superfamily with two different tandem carbohydrate-recognition domains. FEBS Lett 1999; 443:139-43. [PMID: 9989592 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)01701-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We recently isolated and characterized the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein, BmLBP, from the larval hemolymph of the silkworm Bombyx mori. BmLBP is a pattern recognition molecule that recognizes the lipid A portion of LPS and participates in a cellular defense reaction. This paper describes the cDNA cloning of BmLBP. The deduced amino acid sequence of BmLBP revealed that BmLBP is a novel member of the C-type lectin superfamily with a unique structural feature that consists of two different carbohydrate-recognition domains in tandem, a short and a long form.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Koizumi
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Japan
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27
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Marcu O, Locke M. A cuticular protein from the moulting stages of an insect. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1998; 28:659-669. [PMID: 9755476 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(98)00048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A 22 kDa peptide was purified from prepupal cuticles of 5th instar Calpodes ethlius caterpillars. It was absent earlier in the stadium and from the egg and adult, i.e. it is related to cuticle turnover rather than cuticle structure. It was present at larval and metamorphic moults, showing that it is related to moulting not just metamorphosis. The cDNA corresponding to the 22 kDa peptide was isolated by antibody screening of an epidermal cDNA expression library. Hybridization to Calpodes genomic DNA showed that the gene was present as a single copy. The deduced amino acid sequence is not like any of the sequences of cuticular structural proteins that have been published, but has a 47 amino acid sequence similar to bacteriophage T7 N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase (34% identical, 51% similar). The amino acid sequence, the timing of expression in development, and the similarity between the substrate of the bacteriophage amidase and components of insect cuticle, all suggest that the 22 kDa protein may have a role in cleaving chitin-peptide bonds as a prerequisite for digestion of the cuticle by chitinases and proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Marcu
- Department of Zoology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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28
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Sun D, Eccleston ED, Fallon AM. Peptide sequence of an antibiotic cecropin from the vector mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1998; 249:410-5. [PMID: 9712710 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1998.9150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We have identified a 35-amino acid antibiotic cecropin secreted by an established mosquito cell line. C7-10 cells from the vector mosquito, Aedes albopictus, were incubated with heat-killed Escherichia coli, and materials secreted into the cell culture supernatant were recovered by acid precipitation. Following batch elution from Sep-Pak C18 cartridges and further purification by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) a predominant peak of antibacterial activity was characterized by mass spectrometry, amino acid composition analysis, and Edman degradation, yielding the sequence GGLKKLGKKLEGVGKRVFKASEKALPVAVGIKALG. Unlike other cecropins, the peptide was not amidated at the C-terminus. Aedes albopictus Cecropin A (AalCecA) is the first cecropin to be described from a mosquito vector of human disease. Consistent with the classification of mosquitoes among the Dipteran suborder Nematocera, AalCecA shares only 36% amino acid identity with cecropins from Drosophila melanogaster and other Cyclorrhaphid flies, whose mature cecropins share 80% to 100% amino acid identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sun
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA
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29
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Yamano Y, Matsumoto M, Sasahara K, Sakamoto E, Morishima I. Structure of genes for cecropin A and an inducible nuclear protein that binds to the promoter region of the genes from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1998; 62:237-41. [PMID: 9532780 DOI: 10.1271/bbb.62.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cecropins are a family of antibacterial peptide synthesized in insects as a response to bacterial infection. To study the regulation of the immune genes in insects, two cecropin A genes were cloned and sequenced from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The two genes, CecA1 and CecA2, encoded identical preprocecropin A, having one intron of 609 bp and 929 bp, respectively. The 5'-upstream regions of the genes contained a NF-kappa B like element and IL-6-RE Type I element. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that a nuclear protein of fat body which specifically bound to the kappa B-like element was activated by injection of the larvae with peptidoglycan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Yamano
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Japan
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30
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Morishima I, Yamano Y, Inoue K, Matsuo N. Eicosanoids mediate induction of immune genes in the fat body of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. FEBS Lett 1997; 419:83-6. [PMID: 9426224 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)01418-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The expression of cecropin and lysozyme genes is induced in response to bacterial peptidoglycan in the fat body of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Specific inhibitors of either phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase significantly inhibit the induction of the immune genes both in vivo and in cultured fat body as detected by means of Northern hybridization. Arachidonic acid injected into the larvae induces the expression of the cecropin and lysozyme genes. The findings support the idea that eicosanoids mediate some process leading to the expression of immune genes in the fat body following recognition of peptidoglycan as a signal for invading bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Morishima
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Japan.
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31
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Lehane MJ, Wu D, Lehane SM. Midgut-specific immune molecules are produced by the blood-sucking insect Stomoxys calcitrans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:11502-7. [PMID: 9326639 PMCID: PMC23519 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.21.11502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We have cloned and sequenced two defensins, Smd1 and Smd2, from anterior midgut tissue of the blood-sucking fly Stomoxys calcitrans. The DNA and N-terminal protein sequences suggest both are produced as prepropeptides. Smd1 differs from the classic defensin pattern in having an unusual six-amino acid-long N-terminal sequence. Both Smd1 and Smd2 have lower pI points and charge than insect defensins derived from fat body/hemocytes. Northern analysis shows both of these defensin molecules are tissue specific; both are produced by the anterior midgut tissue and, unlike the other insect defensins reported to date, neither appears to be expressed in fat body or hemocytes. Northern analysis also shows that mRNAs for both defensins are constitutively produced in the anterior midgut tissues and that these transcripts are up-regulated in response to sterile as well as a lipopolysaccharide-containing blood meal. However, anti-Gram-negative biological activity in the midgut is substantially enhanced by lipopolysaccharide. These findings suggest that the insect midgut has its own tissue-specific immune mechanisms and that this invertebrate epithelium is, like several vertebrate epithelia, protected by specific antibacterial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Lehane
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, LL57 2UW, United Kingdom.
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Gillespie JP, Kanost MR, Trenczek T. Biological mediators of insect immunity. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 1997; 42:611-643. [PMID: 9017902 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.42.1.611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 836] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Infection in insects stimulates a complex defensive response. Recognition of pathogens may be accomplished by plasma or hemocyte b1p4eins that bind specifically to bacterial or fungal polysaccharides. Several morphologically distinct hemocyte cell types cooperate in the immune response. Hemocytes attach to invading organisms and then isolate them by phagocytosis, by trapping them in hemocyte aggregates called nodules, or by forming an organized multicellular capsule around large parasites. These responses are often accompanied by proteolytic activation of the phenoloxidase zymogen that is present in the hemolymph. A component of insect immune responses to bacteria is the synthesis by fat body and hemocytes of a variety of antibacterial proteins and peptides, which are secreted into the hemolymph. These molecules attack bacteria by several mechanisms. Inducible antifungal proteins have also been recently discovered in insect hemolymph. The promoters for several antibacterial protein genes in insects are regulated by transcription factors similar to those involved in mammalian acute phase responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Gillespie
- Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506, USA
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Morishima I, Horiba T, Iketani M, Nishioka E, Yamano Y. Parallel induction of cecropin and lysozyme in larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 1995; 19:357-363. [PMID: 8654663 DOI: 10.1016/0145-305x(95)00019-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Lysozyme activity in the hemolymph of Bombyx mori increased in parallel with cecropin activity after injection of the larvae with soluble peptidoglycan or UV-killed bacteria. The lysozyme and cecropin A genes were expressed in parallel in the fat body after injection of peptidoglycan as detected by northern blot hybridization. The elicitor specificity for lysozyme induction was identical to that for cecropin, suggesting a common mechanism for recognition of bacteria and following signal transduction introducing to the simultaneous synthesis of cecropin and lysozyme. Bacterial cells killed by UV-irradiation were also effective as elicitor when added to the fat body culture, suggesting that phagocytosis of bacteria by hemocytes may not be an essential process for the induction of antibacterial protein synthesis in the silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Morishima
- Laboratory of Metabolic Biochemistry, Tottori University, Japan
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Lee WJ, Brey PT. Isolation and characterization of the lysozyme-encoding gene from the silkworm Bombyx mori. Gene X 1995; 161:199-203. [PMID: 7665079 DOI: 10.1016/0378-1119(95)00199-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We have isolated and characterized a Bombyx mori (Bm) cDNA encoding a lysozyme (Lyz). A 90-bp DNA fragment was amplified by PCR using degenerate oligodeoxyribonucleotide primers derived from the known amino acid (aa) sequence of the Bm Lyz. These PCR fragments were used to screen a fat body cDNA library. A clone containing the complete lys cDNA (1294 bp) was isolated and completely sequenced. The deduced 137-aa sequence showed high homology with other chicken-type Lyz. Bm lys gene expression was constitutive in fat body, cuticular epidermal tissue and at a very low level in hemocytes. This gene expression was up-regulated in fat body, hemocytes and cuticular epidermal tissue following the injection of Gram+ bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Lee
- Unité d'Ecologie des Systèmes Vectoriels, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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