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Serpin-15 from Bombyx mori inhibits prophenoloxidase activation and expression of antimicrobial peptides

Dongran Liu1, Lei Wang1, Liu Yang1

  • 1College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.

Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|February 28, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Serine protease inhibitors regulate physiological functions. This study shows Bombyx mori serpin-15 (Bmserpin-15) is crucial for innate immunity, particularly against fungal and bacterial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Insect immunology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Serine protease inhibitors (SPIs) are vital regulators of protease activity in physiological processes.
  • Understanding the specific roles of SPIs in insects like Bombyx mori is essential for comprehending their immune defense mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biochemical functions and immune role of serpin-15 (Bmserpin-15) from the silkworm, Bombyx mori.
  • To characterize the expression patterns and immune-induced regulation of Bmserpin-15.

Main Methods:

  • Recombinant Bmserpin-15 was produced in Escherichia coli.
  • Bmserpin-15 expression was analyzed in various tissues and after microbial challenge.
  • Functional assays were performed on prophenoloxidase activation and antimicrobial peptide expression.

Main Results:

  • Bmserpin-15 mRNA and protein were expressed in multiple tissues, with high levels in the fat body and silk gland.
  • Expression of Bmserpin-15 was significantly induced by Beauveria bassiana and Micrococcus luteus.
  • Recombinant Bmserpin-15 inhibited prophenoloxidase activation and reduced antimicrobial peptide transcript levels in Bombyx mori.

Conclusions:

  • Bmserpin-15 plays a significant role in the innate immune response of Bombyx mori.
  • Bmserpin-15 contributes to immune defense by modulating prophenoloxidase activation and antimicrobial peptide production.
Keywords:
AMPsBombyx moriImmunityPhenoloxidaseSerpin

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