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Published on: September 13, 2018
Susceptibility of the Bombyx mori cardia cells to Nucleopolyhedrovirus, multiple subgroup, BmMNPV
Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko Ribeiro1, Rose Meire Costa Brancalhão, Ednéia Fátima Brambilla Torquato
1Laboratório de Organização Funcional do Núcleo-LORF, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
Abstract:
Bombyx mori entomopathogenic virus infection is a serious problem for silk production in tropical regions. Here, we investigate the susceptibility of the B. mori cardia epithelial cells to B. mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus, BmMNPV. Results show that cardia cells are susceptible to BmMNPV and that the cytopathology is similar to that in other target cells. The infection was detected at 6 day post-inoculation. This infection time, together with the protected cover intima, suggests that the cardia region is a secondary target, infected by budded virus.
Insights
Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmMNPV) infects silk-producing silkworm cardia epithelial cells. This study reveals cardia cells are susceptible, indicating a secondary infection site for BmMNPV in silkworms.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Bombyx mori (silkworm) is crucial for silk production.
- Entomopathogenic virus infections pose significant threats to silkworm farming, especially in tropical regions.
- Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmMNPV) is a major pathogen affecting silkworms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of Bombyx mori cardia epithelial cells to BmMNPV.
- To understand the cellular response and infection dynamics of BmMNPV in cardia cells.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of B. mori cardia epithelial cells with BmMNPV.
- Microscopic observation and analysis of cytopathology.
- Determination of infection time post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- Bombyx mori cardia epithelial cells are susceptible to BmMNPV infection.
- The observed cytopathology in cardia cells is comparable to other known target cells.
- Viral infection was detectable at 6 days post-inoculation.
- The cardia region, protected by intima, appears to be a secondary infection site, likely infected by the budded virus form.
Conclusions:
- Silkworm cardia epithelial cells are a viable target for BmMNPV.
- The cardia region serves as a secondary site for BmMNPV infection, occurring later in the infection cycle.
- Understanding BmMNPV tropism in silkworms is vital for developing effective disease management strategies in silk production.

