The multifunctional polydnavirus TnBVANK1 protein: impact on host apoptotic pathway
Rosanna Salvia1, Gerarda Grossi1, Angela Amoresano2
1Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
Scientific Reports
|September 20, 2017
Summary
The bracovirus gene TnBVank1 from T. nigriceps induces apoptosis in host cells by interacting with Alix. This interaction is crucial for suppressing the host
Area of Science:
- Molecular Entomology
- Insect Pathology
- Virology
Background:
- Toxoneuron nigriceps parasitizes Heliothis virescens larvae.
- The associated bracovirus (TnBV) contains genes impacting host physiology.
- TnBVank1, a bracovirus gene, encodes an ankyrin protein similar to NF-κB inhibitor IκB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the TnBVank1 gene.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which TnBVank1 affects host cells.
- To determine the role of TnBVank1 in host immune suppression.
Main Methods:
- Stable expression of TnBVank1 in Drosophila S2 cells.
- In vivo transient transfection of H. virescens haemocytes.
- Coimmunoprecipitation and double-immunofluorescence labeling.
- RNA interference to silence Alix.
Main Results:
- TnBVank1 expression induced apoptosis in S2 cells and H. virescens haemocytes.
- TnBVANK1 protein binds to Alix (AIP1).
- Silencing Alix abolished TnBVank1-induced apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- TnBVank1 induces apoptosis through interaction with Alix.
- This interaction suggests a mechanism for suppressing host immunity by T. nigriceps.
- TnBVANK1 plays a role in the host-parasite interaction.
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