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.

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.