1
|
Khan SA, Kojour MAM, Han YS. Recent trends in insect gut immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1272143. [PMID: 38193088 PMCID: PMC10773798 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1272143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut is a crucial organ in insect defense against various pathogens and harmful substances in their environment and diet. Distinct insect gut compartments possess unique functionalities contributing to their physiological processes, including immunity. The insect gut's cellular composition is vital for cellular and humoral immunity. The peritrophic membrane, mucus layer, lumen, microvilli, and various gut cells provide essential support for activating and regulating immune defense mechanisms. These components also secrete molecules and enzymes that are imperative in physiological activities. Additionally, the gut microbiota initiates various signaling pathways and produces vitamins and minerals that help maintain gut homeostasis. Distinct immune signaling pathways are activated within the gut when insects ingest pathogens or hazardous materials. The pathway induced depends on the infection or pathogen type; include immune deficiency (imd), Toll, JAK/STAT, Duox-ROS, and JNK/FOXO regulatory pathways. These pathways produce different antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and maintain gut homeostasis. Furthermore, various signaling mechanisms within gut cells regulate insect gut recovery following infection. Although some questions regarding insect gut immunity in different species require additional study, this review provides insights into the insect gut's structure and composition, commensal microorganism roles in Drosophila melanogaster and Tenebrio molitor life cycles, different signaling pathways involved in gut immune systems, and the insect gut post-infection recovery through various signaling mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahidul Ahmed Khan
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Maryam Ali Mohmmadie Kojour
- Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology Unit, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yeon Soo Han
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Won C, Nam K, Ko D, Kang B, Lee IS. NSD Overexpression in the Fat Body Increases Antimicrobial Peptide Production by the Immune Deficiency Pathway in Drosophila. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098443. [PMID: 37176149 PMCID: PMC10179514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor-binding SET domain-containing protein 1 (NSD1) inactivation in tumor cells contributes to an immune-cold phenotype, indicating its potential association with immune disturbances. Drosophila NSD is a homolog of the human NSD1. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effect of NSD overexpression in the fat body, the central organ involved in Drosophila immune responses. Upon ectopic expression of NSD in the fat body, the mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides increased. Using reporter constructs containing deletions of various NF-κB sites in the Attacin-A (AttA) promoter, we found that transcriptional activation by NSD is mainly mediated via the IMD pathway by activating Relish. Since the IMD pathway is required to resist Gram-negative bacterial infections, we further examined the effect of fat body-specific NSD overexpression on Drosophila immune defenses. Upon oral ingestion of Gram-negative Pseudomonas entomophila, the survival rate of the NSD-overexpressing larvae was higher than that of the wild type, suggesting a positive role of NSD in immune responses. Taken together, these results suggest the association of NSD with the IMD pathway and is thus expected to contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of immune malfunction in various NSD1-associated human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chihyun Won
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungju Nam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghee Ko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungjun Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Im-Soon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Orchard I, Al-Dailami AN, Leyria J, Lange AB. Malpighian tubules of Rhodnius prolixus: More than post-prandial diuresis. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1167889. [PMID: 38469518 PMCID: PMC10926411 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1167889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus, a major vector of Chagas disease, may be considered the model upon which the foundations of insect physiology and biochemistry were built. It is an obligate blood feeder in which the blood meal triggers growth, development and reproduction. The blood meal also triggers a post-prandial diuresis to maintain osmotic homeostasis. In R. prolixus, as with other insects, the Malpighian tubules play a critical role in this diuresis, and much has been learned about diuresis in R. prolixus, and in other model insects. But the post-genomic era has brought new insights, identifying functions quite apart from diuresis for Malpighian tubules. Indeed, microarrays, transcriptomes, and proteomics have revealed the major roles that Malpighian tubules play in immunity, detoxification, pesticide resistance, and in tolerance to overall stress. This is particularly relevant to R. prolixus since gorging on blood creates several challenges in addition to osmotic balance. Xenobiotics may be present in the blood or toxins may be produced by metabolism of blood; and these must be neutralized and excreted. These processes have not been well described at the molecular level for Malpighian tubules of R. prolixus. This paper will review the involvement of Malpighian tubules in immunity and detoxification, identifying new aspects for Malpighian tubule physiology of R. prolixus by virtue of a transcriptome analysis. The transcriptome analysis indicates the potential of Malpighian tubules of R. prolixus to mount a robust innate immune response, and to contribute to antioxidant production and heme detoxification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu L, Wang D. Four antimicrobial peptides of Asian gypsy moth respond to infection of its viral pathogen, nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 190:105335. [PMID: 36740343 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105335] [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: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play essential roles in defending against various invading pathogens. Although antibacterial or antifungal properties of AMPs have been well characterized, the contribution of AMPs to immune defenses against viruses especially baculoviruses is still unclear. In this study, four full-length AMP genes (Ldcec, Ldatt, Ldglo and Ldmor) that encode the cecropin, attacin, gloverin and moricin, respectively, were characterized in Lymantria dispar (Asian gypsy moth). All four AMPs were cationic peptides and exhibited hydrophilicity. Structural analysis showed that the Ldcec and Ldmor were α-helical peptides. Tissue-specific Ldcec expression was the highest in fat body, while expression of Ldatt, Ldglo and Ldmor was the highest in epidermis. All four AMP genes were expressed during all developmental stages with the highest expression in the pupa and adult. Compared to mock infection, expression of these four AMP genes were significantly induced following Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) challenge and sharply increased at 72 h post infection. After Ldglo gene silencing, the DNA replication levels of LdMNPV in L. dispar larvae significantly increased at 48 and 72 h post infection, indicating that the Ldglo could suppress the DNA replication of LdMNPV. Our results suggest that four AMPs of L. dispar may play important roles in antiviral immunity against LdMNPV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Dun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sneed SD, Dwivedi SB, DiGate C, Denecke S, Povelones M. Aedes aegypti Malpighian tubules are immunologically activated following systemic Toll activation. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:469. [PMID: 36522779 PMCID: PMC9753289 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine heartworm is a widespread and potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease caused by infections with the parasitic nematode, Dirofilaria immitis. We have previously shown that systemic activation of the Toll immune pathway via silencing of the negative regulator Cactus in Aedes aegypti blocks parasite development in the Malpighian tubules (MT), the mosquito renal organ. However, it was not established whether the MT were directly responding to Toll activation or were alternatively responding to upregulated proteins or other changes to the hemolymph driven by other tissues. Distinguishing these possibilities is crucial for developing more precise strategies to block D. immitis while potentially avoiding the fitness cost to the mosquito associated with Cactus silencing. METHODS This study defines the transcriptional response of the MT and changes to the hemolymph proteome of Ae. aegypti after systemic Toll activation via intra-thoracic injection of double-stranded Cactus (dsCactus) RNA. RESULTS Malpighian tubules significantly increased expression of the Toll pathway target genes that significantly overlapped expression changes occurring in whole mosquitoes. A significant overlap between the transcriptional response of the MT and proteins upregulated in the hemolymph was also observed. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that MT are capable of RNA interference-mediated gene silencing and directly respond to dsCactus treatment by upregulating targets of the canonical Toll pathway. Although not definitive, the strong correspondence between the MT transcriptional response and the hemolymph proteomic responses provides evidence that the MT may contribute to mosquito humoral immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D. Sneed
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Sutopa B. Dwivedi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Cameron DiGate
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Shane Denecke
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Michael Povelones
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ali Mohammadie Kojour M, Edosa TT, Jang HA, Keshavarz M, Jo YH, Han YS. Critical Roles of Spätzle5 in Antimicrobial Peptide Production Against Escherichia coli in Tenebrio molitor Malpighian Tubules. Front Immunol 2022; 12:760475. [PMID: 34975850 PMCID: PMC8717915 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.760475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The dimeric cytokine ligand Spätzle (Spz) is responsible for Toll pathway activation and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production upon pathogen challenge in Tenebrio molitor. Here, we indicated that TmSpz5 has a functional role in response to bacterial infections. We showed that the highest expression of TmSpz5 is induced by Candida albicans. However, TmSpz5 knockdown reduced larval survival against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. To evaluate the molecular mechanism underlying the observed survival differences, the role of TmSpz5 in AMP production was examined by RNA interference and microbial injection. T. molitor AMPs that are active against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria, including Tmtenecins, Tmattacins, Tmcoleoptericins, Tmtaumatin-like-proteins, and Tmcecropin-2, were significantly downregulated by TmSpz-5 RNAi in the Malpighian tubules (MTs) following a challenge with E. coli and S. aureus. However, upon infection with C. albicans the mRNA levels of most AMPs in the dsTmSpz5-injected group were similar to those in the control groups. Likewise, the expression of the transcription factors NF-κB, TmDorX2, and TmRelish were noticeably suppressed in the MTs of TmSpz5-silenced larvae. Moreover, E. coli-infected TmSpz5 knockdown larvae showed decreased antimicrobial activity in the MTs and hindgut compared with the control group. These results demonstrate that TmSpz5 has a defined role in T. molitor innate immunity by regulating AMP expression in MTs in response to E. coli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ali Mohammadie Kojour
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Tariku Tesfaye Edosa
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.,Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Ambo Agricultural Research Center, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Ho Am Jang
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Maryam Keshavarz
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yong Hun Jo
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Yeon Soo Han
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
TmSpz-like Plays a Fundamental Role in Response to E. coli but Not S. aureus or C. albican Infection in Tenebrio molitor via Regulation of Antimicrobial Peptide Production. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910888. [PMID: 34639230 PMCID: PMC8509142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The cystine knot protein Spätzle is a Toll receptor ligand that modulates the intracellular signaling cascade involved in the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated regulation of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-encoding genes. Spätzle-mediated activation of the Toll pathway is critical for the innate immune responses of insects against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. In this study, the open reading frame (ORF) sequence of Spätzle-like from T. molitor (TmSpz-like) identified from the RNA sequencing dataset was cloned and sequenced. The 885-bp TmSpz-like ORF encoded a polypeptide of 294 amino acid residues. TmSpz-like comprised a cystine knot domain with six conserved cysteine residues that formed three disulfide bonds. Additionally, TmSpz-like exhibited the highest amino acid sequence similarity with T. castaneum Spätzle (TcSpz). In the phylogenetic tree, TmSpz-like and TcSpz were located within a single cluster. The expression of TmSpz-like was upregulated in the Malpighian tubules and gut tissues of T. molitor. Additionally, the expression of TmSpz-like in the whole body and gut of the larvae was upregulated at 24 h post-E. coli infection. The results of RNA interference experiments revealed that TmSpz-like is critical for the viability of E. coli-infected T. molitor larvae. Eleven AMP-encoding genes were downregulated in the E. coli-infected TmSpz-like knockdown larvae, which suggested that TmSpz-like positively regulated these genes. Additionally, the NF-κB-encoding genes (TmDorX1, TmDorX2, and TmRelish) were downregulated in the E. coli-infected TmSpz-like knockdown larvae. Thus, TmSpz-like plays a critical role in the regulation of AMP production in T. molitor in response to E. coli infection.
Collapse
|
8
|
Moretta A, Scieuzo C, Petrone AM, Salvia R, Manniello MD, Franco A, Lucchetti D, Vassallo A, Vogel H, Sgambato A, Falabella P. Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Hope in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Fields. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:668632. [PMID: 34195099 PMCID: PMC8238046 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.668632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are essential drugs used to treat pathogenic bacteria, but their prolonged use contributes to the development and spread of drug-resistant microorganisms. Antibiotic resistance is a serious challenge and has led to the need for new alternative molecules less prone to bacterial resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have aroused great interest as potential next-generation antibiotics, since they are bioactive small proteins, naturally produced by all living organisms, and representing the first line of defense against fungi, viruses and bacteria. AMPs are commonly classified according to their sources, which are represented by microorganisms, plants and animals, as well as to their secondary structure, their biosynthesis and their mechanism of action. They find application in different fields such as agriculture, food industry and medicine, on which we focused our attention in this review. Particularly, we examined AMP potential applicability in wound healing, skin infections and metabolic syndrome, considering their ability to act as potential Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme I and pancreatic lipase inhibitory peptides as well as antioxidant peptides. Moreover, we argued about the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic approaches to develop new antibiotics, the drug development strategies and the formulation approaches which need to be taken into account in developing clinically suitable AMP applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Moretta
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Franco
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Donatella Lucchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Vassallo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Alessandro Sgambato
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Keshavarz M, Jo YH, Patnaik BB, Park KB, Ko HJ, Kim CE, Edosa TT, Lee YS, Han YS. TmRelish is required for regulating the antimicrobial responses to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in Tenebrio molitor. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4258. [PMID: 32144366 PMCID: PMC7060202 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61157-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Relish, a transcription factor, is a critical downstream component of the immune deficiency (Imd) pathway and regulates host defense against bacterial infection by mediating antimicrobial peptide (AMP) synthesis. Understanding the immunological function of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor Relish (TmRelish) will be instructive in understanding insect immunity. In the present study, full-length ORF of TmRelish was retrieved from T. molitor-expressed sequence tags and RNA-seq database. The predicted TmRelish amino acid sequence contained an N-terminal Rel-homology domain; an Ig-like, plexin, and transcription factor domain; ankyrin repeat motifs; a nuclear localization signal; and a C-terminal death domain and shared the highly conserved structure of the Relish proteins of other insect species. TmRelish mRNA was detected in all developmental stages of the insect; however, the highest levels were detected in the larval gut tissue and adult hemocytes. TmRelish mRNA level was upregulated in the fat body, hemocyte, and gut tissue 9 h after infection of T. molitor larvae by the gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli. Furthermore, TmRelish knockdown led to significantly higher mortality of the E. coli-infected larvae, and significantly lower mortality of larvae infected with Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans. To elucidate the possible cause of mortality, we measured AMP transcription in the fat body, hemocytes, gut, and Malpighian tubules (MTs) of T. molitor larvae. TmRelish knockdown suppressed the expression of nine AMP genes in the larval fat body and gut tissue during E. coli infection, suggesting that TmRelish positively regulates AMP expression in both immune-related tissues, in response to E. coli challenge. Furthermore, negative regulation of some AMPs by TmRelish in the MTs, gut and hemocytes in response to C. albicans infection suggests a crosstalk between the Toll and Imd pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Keshavarz
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hun Jo
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Bharat Bhusan Patnaik
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, Trident Academy of Technology (TAT), F2-A, Chandaka Industrial Estate, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Ki Beom Park
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Ko
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Eun Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Tariku Tesfaye Edosa
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Seok Lee
- School of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, 22 Soonchunhyangro, Shinchang-myeon, Asan, Chungchungnam-do, 31538, South Korea
| | - Yeon Soo Han
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Edgerton EB, McCrea AR, Berry CT, Kwok JY, Thompson LK, Watson B, Fuller EM, Nolan TJ, Lok JB, Povelones M. Activation of mosquito immunity blocks the development of transmission-stage filarial nematodes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:3711-3717. [PMID: 32015105 PMCID: PMC7035481 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909369117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne helminth infections are responsible for a significant worldwide disease burden in both humans and animals. Accordingly, development of novel strategies to reduce disease transmission by targeting these pathogens in the vector are of paramount importance. We found that a strain of Aedes aegypti that is refractory to infection by Dirofilaria immitis, the agent of canine heartworm disease, mounts a stronger immune response during infection than does a susceptible strain. Moreover, activation of the Toll immune signaling pathway in the susceptible strain arrests larval development of the parasite, thereby decreasing the number of transmission-stage larvae. Notably, this strategy also blocks transmission-stage Brugia malayi, an agent of human lymphatic filariasis. Our data show that mosquito immunity can play a pivotal role in restricting filarial nematode development and suggest that genetically engineering mosquitoes with enhanced immunity will help reduce pathogen transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B Edgerton
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Abigail R McCrea
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Corbett T Berry
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jenny Y Kwok
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Letitia K Thompson
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Brittany Watson
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | | | - Thomas J Nolan
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - James B Lok
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Michael Povelones
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
West C, Rus F, Chen Y, Kleino A, Gangloff M, Gammon DB, Silverman N. IIV-6 Inhibits NF-κB Responses in Drosophila. Viruses 2019; 11:v11050409. [PMID: 31052481 PMCID: PMC6563256 DOI: 10.3390/v11050409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The host immune response and virus-encoded immune evasion proteins pose constant, mutual selective pressure on each other. Virally encoded immune evasion proteins also indicate which host pathways must be inhibited to allow for viral replication. Here, we show that IIV-6 is capable of inhibiting the two Drosophila NF-κB signaling pathways, Imd and Toll. Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene induction downstream of either pathway is suppressed when cells infected with IIV-6 are also stimulated with Toll or Imd ligands. We find that cleavage of both Imd and Relish, as well as Relish nuclear translocation, three key points in Imd signal transduction, occur in IIV-6 infected cells, indicating that the mechanism of viral inhibition is farther downstream, at the level of Relish promoter binding or transcriptional activation. Additionally, flies co-infected with both IIV-6 and the Gram-negative bacterium, Erwinia carotovora carotovora, succumb to infection more rapidly than flies singly infected with either the virus or the bacterium. These findings demonstrate how pre-existing infections can have a dramatic and negative effect on secondary infections, and establish a Drosophila model to study confection susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cara West
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Florentina Rus
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Ying Chen
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Anni Kleino
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Monique Gangloff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Don B Gammon
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX T5390, USA.
| | - Neal Silverman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Singh S, Tapadia MG. Molecular basis for efficacy of Guduchi and Madhuyashti feeding on different environmental stressors in Drosophila. Cell Stress Chaperones 2019; 24:549-565. [PMID: 30919212 PMCID: PMC6527653 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-019-00986-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressors of different kinds adversely affect life history parameters like growth, development, and reproduction. Organisms overcome the negative impact of environmental stressors and strive to reach a tolerant state through genetic and metabolic activities. Ayurvedic formulations are reported to have life trait benefitting properties which improve capacity to withstand stress and tolerate adverse conditions. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Madhuyashti (Glycirrhiza glabra) Ayurvedic formulations are known to have immunomodulatory, intellect promoting, and adaptogenic properties, thus favoring good health and healthy aging. Present study investigates the efficacy of Guduchi and Madhuyashti in providing tolerance to different stresses and the underlying mechanisms using the Drosophila model. Drosophila larvae/flies fed on Guduchi or Madhuyashti were better thermo-protected, which correlated with increased expression of heat shock genes even without the heat shock. Guduchi or Madhuyashti feeding also increased antimicrobial peptide expression, thus providing better tolerance to pathogenic assaults. Feeding on Guduchi- or Madhuyashti- supplemented food also enhanced starvation and desiccation tolerance. However, neither of these formulations provided beneficial effects when grown under crowded conditions or when exposed to oxidative stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Singh
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Madhu G. Tapadia
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jiang L, Liu W, Guo H, Dang Y, Cheng T, Yang W, Sun Q, Wang B, Wang Y, Xie E, Xia Q. Distinct Functions of Bombyx mori Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 2 in Immune Responses to Bacteria and Viruses. Front Immunol 2019; 10:776. [PMID: 31031766 PMCID: PMC6473039 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP) is an important pattern recognition receptor in innate immunity that is vital for bacterial recognition and defense in insects. Few studies report the role of PGRP in viral infection. Here we cloned two forms of PGRP from the model lepidopteran Bombyx mori: BmPGRP2-1 is a transmembrane protein, whereas BmPGRP2-2 is an intracellular protein. BmPGRP2-1 bound to diaminopimelic acid (DAP)-type peptidoglycan (PGN) to activate the canonical immune deficiency (Imd) pathway. BmPGRP2-2 knockdown reduced B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) multiplication and mortality in cell lines and in silkworm larvae, while its overexpression increased viral replication. Transcriptome and quantitative PCR (qPCR) results confirmed that BmPGRP2 negatively regulated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). BmPGRP2-2 expression was induced by BmNPV, and the protein suppressed PTEN-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling to inhibit cell apoptosis, suggesting that BmNPV modulates BmPGRP2-2-PTEN-PI3K/Akt signaling to evade host antiviral defense. These results demonstrate that the two forms of BmPGRP2 have different functions in host responses to bacteria and viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Jiang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiqiang Liu
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huizhen Guo
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinghui Dang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingcai Cheng
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wanying Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yumei Wang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Enyu Xie
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Badinloo M, Nguyen E, Suh W, Alzahrani F, Castellanos J, Klichko VI, Orr WC, Radyuk SN. Overexpression of antimicrobial peptides contributes to aging through cytotoxic effects in Drosophila tissues. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 98:e21464. [PMID: 29637607 PMCID: PMC6039247 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The innate immune response tends to become hyperactive and proinflammatory in older organisms. We investigated connections between activity of the immune-related genes and aging using the Drosophila model. A hallmark of Drosophila immunity is the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMP), whose expression is triggered via activation of the Toll and Imd immune pathways and regulated by NF-ĸB-like transcription factors, Dif/Dorsal and Relish. It was previously shown that overexpression of the upstream component of the immune pathways shortens lifespan via activation of the Relish-dependent immune response. Here we show that direct overexpression of the Relish target AMP genes broadly at high levels or in the fat body induced apoptosis, elicited depolarization of the mitochondria and significantly shortened lifespan. Underexpression of Relish in the fat body beginning in the second half of lifespan prevented overactivation of AMPs and extended longevity. Unlike infection-induced responses, the age-related increase in AMPs does not require the upstream recognition/transduction module of the Imd pathway. It does however require downstream elements, including Relish and Ird5, a component of the downstream IKK complex. Together, these results established causal links between high-level production of antimicrobial peptides and longevity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Svetlana N. Radyuk
- Corresponding Author Svetlana N. Radyuk, PhD, 6501 Airline Rd, Room 113, Dallas, TX 75275, Tel: +1-214-768-2892, Fax: +1-214-768-3955,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Modeling Renal Disease "On the Fly". BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:5697436. [PMID: 29955604 PMCID: PMC6000847 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5697436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Detoxification is a fundamental function for all living organisms that need to excrete catabolites and toxins to maintain homeostasis. Kidneys are major organs of detoxification that maintain water and electrolyte balance to preserve physiological functions of vertebrates. In insects, the renal function is carried out by Malpighian tubules and nephrocytes. Due to differences in their circulation, the renal systems of mammalians and insects differ in their functional modalities, yet carry out similar biochemical and physiological functions and share extensive genetic and molecular similarities. Evolutionary conservation can be leveraged to model specific aspects of the complex mammalian kidney function in the genetic powerhouse Drosophila melanogaster to study how genes interact in diseased states. Here, we compare the human and Drosophila renal systems and present selected fly disease models.
Collapse
|
16
|
Eklund BE, Mahdi O, Huntley JF, Collins E, Martin C, Horzempa J, Fisher NA. The orange spotted cockroach ( Blaptica dubia, Serville 1839) is a permissive experimental host for Francisella tularensis. PROCEEDINGS OF THE WEST VIRGINIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 2017; 89:34-47. [PMID: 29578544 PMCID: PMC5863744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen that causes severe disease in a wide range of host animals, including humans. Well-developed murine models of F. tularensis pathogenesis are available, but they do not meet the needs of all investigators. However, researchers are increasingly turning to insect host systems as a cost-effective alternative that allows greater increased experimental throughput without the regulatory requirements associated with the use of mammals in biomedical research. Unfortunately, the utility of previously-described insect hosts is limited because of temperature restriction, short lifespans, and concerns about the immunological status of insects mass-produced for other purposes. Here, we present a novel host species, the orange spotted (OS) cockroach (Blaptica dubia), that overcomes these limitations and is readily infected by F. tularensis. Intrahemocoel inoculation was accomplished using standard laboratory equipment and lethality was directly proportional to the number of bacteria injected. Progression of infection differed in insects housed at low and high temperatures and F. tularensis mutants lacking key virulence components were attenuated in OS cockroaches. Finally, antibiotics were delivered to infected OS cockroaches by systemic injection and controlled feeding; in the latter case, protection correlated with oral bioavailability in mammals. Collectively, these results demonstrate that this new host system provides investigators with a new tool capable of interrogating F. tularensis virulence and immune evasion in situations where mammalian models are not available or appropriate, such as undirected screens of large mutant libraries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bridget E. Eklund
- Russel and Anna Duncan Undergraduate Research Program, College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
- Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Osama Mahdi
- Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Jason F. Huntley
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
| | - Elliot Collins
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV
| | - Caleb Martin
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV
| | - Joseph Horzempa
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV
| | - Nathan A. Fisher
- Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
- Drug Development Division, Southern Research, Frederick, MD
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Giglio A, Perrotta ID, Brandmayr P. Exosomes: Ultrastructural evidence in epithelial cells of Malpighian tubules. Micron 2017; 100:34-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
18
|
TmCactin plays an important role in Gram-negative and -positive bacterial infection by regulating expression of 7 AMP genes in Tenebrio molitor. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46459. [PMID: 28418029 PMCID: PMC5394457 DOI: 10.1038/srep46459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cactin was originally identified as an interactor of the Drosophila IκB factor Cactus and shown to play a role in controlling embryonic polarity and regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. While subsequent studies have identified the roles for Cactin in the mammalian immune response, the immune function of Cactin in insects has not been described yet. Here, we identified a Cactin gene from the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor (TmCactin) and characterized its functional role in innate immunity. TmCactin was highly expressed in prepupa to last instar stages, and its expression was high in the integument and Malpighian tubules of last instar larvae and adults. TmCactin was induced in larvae after infection with different pathogens and detectable within 3 hours of infection. The highest levels of TmCactin expression were detected at 9 hours post infection. TmCactin RNAi significantly decreased the survival rates of larvae after challenge with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, but had no significant effect after challenge with Candida albicans. Furthermore, TmCactin RNAi significantly reduced the expression of seven antimicrobial peptide genes (AMPs) after bacterial challenge. Our results suggest that TmCactin may serve as an important regulator of innate immunity, mediating AMP responses against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in T. molitor.
Collapse
|
19
|
Giglio A, Brandmayr P. Structural and functional alterations in Malpighian tubules as biomarkers of environmental pollution: synopsis and prospective. J Appl Toxicol 2017; 37:889-894. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Giglio
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra; Università della Calabria; Rende Italy
| | - Pietro Brandmayr
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra; Università della Calabria; Rende Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yorkie Regulates Neurodegeneration Through Canonical Pathway and Innate Immune Response. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:1193-1207. [PMID: 28102471 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0388-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Expansion of CAG repeats in certain genes has long been known to be associated with neurodegenerastion, but the quest to identity the underlying mechanisms is still on. Here, we analyzed the role of Yorkie, the coactivator of the Hippo pathway, and provide evidence to state that it is a robust genetic modifier of polyglutamine (PolyQ)-mediated neurodegeneration. Yorkie reduces the pathogenicity of inclusion bodies in the cell by activating cyclin E and bantam, rather than by preventing apoptosis through DIAP1. PolyQ aggregates inhibit Yorkie functioning at the protein, rather than the transcript level, and this is probably accomplished by the interaction between PolyQ and Yorkie. We show that PolyQ aggregates upregulate expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and Yorkie negatively regulates immune deficiency (IMD) and Toll pathways through relish and cactus, respectively, thus reducing AMPs and mitigating PolyQ affects. These studies strongly suggest a novel mechanism of suppression of PolyQ-mediated neurotoxicity by Yorkie through multiple channels.
Collapse
|
21
|
Amuzu HE, McGraw EA. Wolbachia-Based Dengue Virus Inhibition Is Not Tissue-Specific in Aedes aegypti. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005145. [PMID: 27855218 PMCID: PMC5113870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), is now the most common arbovirus transmitted disease globally. One novel approach to control DENV is to use the endosymbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia pipientis, to limit DENV replication inside the primary mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. Wolbachia that is naturally present in a range of insects reduces the capacity for viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi to replicate inside insects. Wolbachia’s mode of action is not well understood but may involve components of immune activation or competition with pathogens for limited host resources. The strength of Wolbachia-based anti DENV effects appear to correlate with bacterial density in the whole insect and in cell culture. Here we aimed to determine whether particular tissues, especially those with high Wolbachia densities or immune activity, play a greater role in mediating the anti DENV effect. Methodology/findings Ae. aegypti mosquito lines with and without Wolbachia (Wildtype) were orally fed DENV 3 and their viral loads subsequently measured over two time points post infection in the midgut, head, salivary glands, Malpighian tubules, fat body and carcass. We did not find correlations between Wolbachia densities and DENV loads in any tissue, nor with DENV loads in salivary glands, the endpoint of infection. This is in contrast with strong positive correlations between DENV loads in a range of tissues and salivary gland loads for Wildtype mosquitoes. Lastly, there was no evidence of a heightened role for tissues with known immune function including the fat body and the Malpighian tubules in Wolbachia’s limitation of DENV. Conclusion/significance We conclude that the efficacy of DENV blocking in Wolbachia infected mosquitoes is not reliant on any particular tissue. This work therefore suggests that the mechanism of Wolbachia-based antiviral effects is either systemic or acts locally via processes that are fundamental to diverse cell types. We further conclude that the relationship between DENV blocking and Wolbachia density is not linear in mosquito tissues Dengue fever caused by the dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted by the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. To control the disease, an intracellular bacterium called Wolbachia has been introduced into Ae. aegypti where it blocks/limits success of infection of DENV. The mechanistic basis of blocking is not well understood but may involve Wolbachia activating the host immune system or competing with DENV for host resources. The strength of blocking appears to correlate with Wolbachia density. Here, we aimed to determine if any particular tissues inside the mosquito play a greater role in blocking. Tissues were chosen based on their Wolbachia density and their roles in infection and immunity. Wolbachia infected and uninfected mosquitoes were orally infected with DENV and Wolbachia density and DENV load were assessed in midgut, salivary gland, head, Malpighian tubules, fat body and carcass. Wolbachia density did not correlate with DENV loads in the same tissues nor with DENV loads in the salivary glands. We also showed that no one tissue appeared to play a greater role in blocking. In summary, these finding suggest that in the mosquito a threshold Wolbachia density may be required for DENV blocking. Our findings also suggest that blocking may involve mechanisms that are fundamental to all cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilaria E. Amuzu
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A. McGraw
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang L, Li J, Zhao X, Qian C, Wei G, Zhu B, Liu C. Expression and characterization of a lipase-related protein in the malpighian tubules of the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2016; 106:615-623. [PMID: 27297450 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485316000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipases are ubiquitous enzymes in nature, which play a crucial role in fat metabolism by catalyzing the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol to free fatty acids and glycerol. However, reports concerning insect lipase are rare. In this study, we studied the expression and activity of a lipase-related protein from Antheraea pernyi (ApLRP). Recombinant ApLRP was expressed in Escherichia coli cells and used to raise rabbit anti-ApLRP polyclonal antibodies. ApLRP mRNA and protein expression were abundant in the midgut and malpighian tubules, respectively. After challenge with four different microorganisms (E. coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus and nuclear polyhedrosis virus), the expression levels of ApLRP mRNA in midgut were inducted significantly compared with the control. The different pathogens induced different ApLRP gene expression patterns. The optimum temperature and pH for the enzyme's activity were 35°C and 7.0, respectively. ApLRP activity was stimulated in the presence of Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+ and b-mercaptoethanol; while Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe3+ inhibited its activity. Detergents such as SDS, glycerol and Tween-20 increased the lipase activity by 20-30%. Our results indicated that ApLRP might play an important role in the innate immunity of insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Wang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - J Li
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - X Zhao
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - C Qian
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - G Wei
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - B Zhu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| | - C Liu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University,Hefei 230036,China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chatterjee A, Roy D, Patnaik E, Nongthomba U. Muscles provide protection during microbial infection by activating innate immune response pathways in Drosophila and zebrafish. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:697-705. [PMID: 27101844 PMCID: PMC4920145 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.022665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle contraction brings about movement and locomotion in animals. However, muscles have also been implicated in several atypical physiological processes including immune response. The role of muscles in immunity and the mechanism involved has not yet been deciphered. In this paper, using Drosophila indirect flight muscles (IFMs) as a model, we show that muscles are immune-responsive tissues. Flies with defective IFMs are incapable of mounting a potent humoral immune response. Upon immune challenge, the IFMs produce anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) through the activation of canonical signaling pathways, and these IFM-synthesized AMPs are essential for survival upon infection. The trunk muscles of zebrafish, a vertebrate model system, also possess the capacity to mount an immune response against bacterial infections, thus establishing that immune responsiveness of muscles is evolutionarily conserved. Our results suggest that physiologically fit muscles might boost the innate immune response of an individual. Summary: Using fruit fly and zebrafish models, we show that skeletal muscles are immune responsive tissues; they mount innate immune responses during bacterial infection – an evolutionarily conserved defense mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arunita Chatterjee
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Debasish Roy
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Esha Patnaik
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Upendra Nongthomba
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Stratoulias V, Heino TI. MANF silencing, immunity induction or autophagy trigger an unusual cell type in metamorphosing Drosophila brain. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 72:1989-2004. [PMID: 25511196 PMCID: PMC4412683 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1789-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glia are abundant cells in the brain of animals ranging from flies to humans. They perform conserved functions not only in neural development and wiring, but also in brain homeostasis. Here we show that by manipulating gene expression in glia, a previously unidentified cell type appears in the Drosophila brain during metamorphosis. More specifically, this cell type appears in three contexts: (1) after the induction of either immunity, or (2) autophagy, or (3) by silencing of neurotrophic factor DmMANF in glial cells. We call these cells MANF immunoreactive Cells (MiCs). MiCs are migratory based on their shape, appearance in brain areas where no cell bodies exist and the nuclear localization of dSTAT. They are labeled with a unique set of molecular markers including the conserved neurotrophic factor DmMANF and the transcription factor Zfh1. They possess the nuclearly localized protein Relish, which is the hallmark of immune response activation. They also express the conserved engulfment receptor Draper, therefore indicating that they are potentially phagocytic. Surprisingly, they do not express any of the common glial and neuronal markers. In addition, ultrastructural studies show that MiCs are extremely rich in lysosomes. Our findings reveal critical molecular and functional components of an unusual cell type in the Drosophila brain. We suggest that MiCs resemble macrophages/hemocytes and vertebrate microglia based on their appearance in the brain upon genetically challenged conditions and the expression of molecular markers. Interestingly, macrophages/hemocytes or microglia-like cells have not been reported in the fly nervous system before.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis Stratoulias
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 5, 00014, Helsinki, Finland,
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Panayidou S, Ioannidou E, Apidianakis Y. Human pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses in Drosophila: disease modeling, lessons, and shortcomings. Virulence 2014; 5:253-69. [PMID: 24398387 DOI: 10.4161/viru.27524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila has been the invertebrate model organism of choice for the study of innate immune responses during the past few decades. Many Drosophila-microbe interaction studies have helped to define innate immunity pathways, and significant effort has been made lately to decipher mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. Here we catalog 68 bacterial, fungal, and viral species studied in flies, 43 of which are relevant to human health. We discuss studies of human pathogens in flies revealing not only the elicitation and avoidance of immune response but also mechanisms of tolerance, host tissue homeostasis, regeneration, and predisposition to cancer. Prominent among those is the emerging pattern of intestinal regeneration as a defense response induced by pathogenic and innocuous bacteria. Immunopathology mechanisms and many microbial virulence factors have been elucidated, but their relevance to human health conventionally necessitates validation in mammalian models of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stavria Panayidou
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Cyprus; Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Eleni Ioannidou
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Cyprus; Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Drosophila melanogaster: a first step and a stepping-stone to anti-infectives. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2013; 13:763-8. [PMID: 23992884 PMCID: PMC7185596 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Following an expansion in the antibiotic drug discovery in the previous century, we now face a bottleneck in the production of new anti-infective drugs. Traditionally, chemical libraries are screened either using in vitro culture systems or in silico to identify and chemically modify small molecules with antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, almost all compounds passing through in vitro screening fail to pass preclinical trials. Drug screening in Drosophila offers to fill the gap between in vitro and mammalian model host testing by eliminating compounds that are toxic or have reduced bioavailability and by identifying others that may boost innate host defence or selectively reduce microbial virulence in a whole-organism setting. Such alternative screening methods in Drosophila, while low-throughput, may reduce the cost and increase the success rate of preclinical trials.
Collapse
|