Journals
  Publication Years
  Keywords
Search within results Open Search
Please wait a minute...
For Selected: Toggle Thumbnails
Induced CTL-S15 gene expression by Bacillus thuringiensis declines susceptibility in Spodoptera exigua
Jianqiang Bao, Yuxuan Chen, Suwan Jiang, Rui Liu, Xi Zhang, Fangzheng Zhang, Zhiwei Chen, Chen Luo, Hailong Kong
2024, 23 (9): 3078-3088.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.01.024
Abstract80)      PDF in ScienceDirect      
It has been reported that C-type lectins (CTLs), which are pattern recognition receptors of the insect innate immunity response, may compete with Cry toxin for the receptor alkaline phosphatase to decrease its toxicity in insects.  However, to date, which CTLs affect larval susceptibility to Bt in Spodoptera exigua is not clear.  In this study, 33 CTL genes were identified from Sexigua.  Based on the number of carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) and the domain architectures, they were classified into three groups: (1) nineteen CTL-S (single-CRD), (2) eight immulectin (dual-CRD) and (3) six CTL-X (CRD with other domains).  RT-qPCR analysis revealed that expression levels of SeCTL-S15, IML-4 and CTL-X6 were upregulated after challenge with Bt and Cry1Ab.  Tissue and developmental stage expression analysis showed that only SeCTL-S15 was mainly expressed in the midgut and larva, respectively.  Knockdown of SeCTL-S15 significantly increased Bt susceptibility, as indicated by reduced survival and larval weight.  These results suggest that CTL-S15 might play a vital role in the low susceptibility of larvae to Bt in Sexigua.  Our results provide new insights into CTL function in insects.
Reference | Related Articles | Metrics
Enhanced immune responses of gregarious larvae contribute to successful adult migration in the migratory oriental armyworm
Hailong Kong, Dong Guo, Lei Zhang, Dianjie Xie, Kenneth Wilson, Xingfu Jiang
DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.02.003 Online: 10 February 2025
Abstract5)      PDF in ScienceDirect      

Migratory insect pests tend to suddenly immigrate into new habitats over a short period to simultaneously lay eggs in clusters, resulting in gregarious larvae that cause severe damage to crops. These aggregated larvae can adapt well to various natural enemies and pathogens in their new habitats, but how their resistance might be enhanced and its immunological significance remain unknown. Here, we examined how infection by a pathogen and a parasitic fly affect the immune response and migratory behavior in two phases of the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, which differ dramatically in their flight capacity and fecundity. The gregarious larvae displayed greater resistance than solitary larvae to the challenges of both the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae and the parasitoid Exorista civilis. In response to a challenge by M. anisopliae, gregarious larvae exhibited more pronounced increases in phenoloxidase (PO) activity and lysozyme activity than solitary larvae. Furthermore, in addition to the greater PO and lysozyme activities, the levels of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were also greater in challenged gregarious and solitary larvae. Injection of dopamine (or 5-HT) significantly enhanced PO activity, lysozyme activity, antibacterial activity and larval survival. Subsequently, there was a significant increase in the flight capacity of adults derived from gregarious larvae challenged by M. anisopliae; while no significant variation was observed in the adults from challenged solitary larvae. The preoviposition period, oviposition period and fecundity were not significantly affected by M. anisopliae, regardless of whether the larvae were gregarious or solitary. These results provide new insights into the relationship between migration and immunity in insects, and their behavior after immunization.

Reference | Related Articles | Metrics