Venom proteins from polydnavirus-producing endoparasitoids: their role in host-parasite interactions

Endoparasitoid wasps have evolved various mechanisms to ensure successful development of their progeny, including co-injection of a cocktail of maternal secretions into the host hemocoel, including venom, calyx fluid, and polydnaviruses. The components of each type of secretion may influence host physiology and development independently or in a synergistic fashion. For example, venom fluid consists of several peptides and proteins that promote expression of polydnavirus genes in addition to other activities, such as inhibition of prophenoloxidase activation, inhibition of hemocytes spreading and aggregation, and inhibition of development. This review provides a brief overview of advances and prospects in the study of venom proteins from polydnavirus-producing endoparasitoid wasps with a special emphasis on the role of C. rubecula venom proteins in host-parasitoid interactions.