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The encapsidated genome of Microplitis demolitor bracovirus integrates into the host Pseudoplusia includens

Markus H Beck1, Shu Zhang, Kavita Bitra

  • 1Department of Entomology, 413 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.

Journal of Virology
|September 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Polydnaviruses (PDVs) integrate into host cells, with Microplitis demolitor bracovirus (MdBV) segments using a novel host integration motif (HIM) for long-term persistence and gene expression.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Insect Pathology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Polydnaviruses (PDVs) are essential symbionts of parasitoid wasps, acting as gene delivery systems into host insects.
  • While PDVs integrate into wasp genomes, their persistence mechanisms within host cells remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term persistence and integration of Microplitis demolitor bracovirus (MdBV) genomic DNA within host cells.
  • To identify the molecular mechanisms governing MdBV DNA integration into the host genome.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a hemocyte-derived cell line (CiE1) from the host Pseudoplusia includens for in vitro studies.
  • Employed PCR-based integration assays, cloning, and sequencing to analyze host-virus junctions.
  • Analyzed viral DNA sequences for integration motifs.

Main Results:

  • All 15 MdBV genomic segments persisted long-term in CiE1 cells, with sustained expression of most viral genes.
  • Genomic segments J and C were confirmed to integrate into the CiE1 cell genome, and rapid integration was observed in parasitized P. includens.
  • A novel domain, the host integration motif (HIM), was identified and associated with MdBV integration into host cells, distinct from the wasp excision/integration motif (WIM).

Conclusions:

  • MdBV exhibits long-term genomic persistence and gene expression in host cells, independent of the wasp.
  • Integration into host cells is mediated by the newly discovered host integration motif (HIM), suggesting a conserved integration mechanism for MdBV segments.

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