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PGRP-LD mediates A. stephensi vector competency by regulating homeostasis of microbiota-induced peritrophic matrix

Xiumei Song1,2, Mengfei Wang1,2, Li Dong1,2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.

Plos Pathogens
|March 1, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Anopheles stephensi PGRP-LD maintains gut homeostasis, protecting against malaria parasites. It preserves the peritrophic matrix integrity by regulating gut microbes and preventing excessive immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Vector biology
  • Insect immunology
  • Microbiome research

Background:

  • Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) and commensal microbes influence insect vector responses to pathogens.
  • The specific role of PGRP-LD in host defense against disease, particularly malaria, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of Anopheles stephensi PGRP-LD in malaria parasite infection and gut homeostasis.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which PGRP-LD influences vector competence.

Main Methods:

  • RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down PGRP-LD (dsLD) in Anopheles stephensi.
  • Assessing Plasmodium berghei infection susceptibility in dsLD and control mosquitoes.
  • Analyzing gut microbiota composition, spatial distribution, and peritrophic matrix (PM) integrity.
  • Investigating the effects of antibiotic treatment (Abx) and microbial recolonization on PM and vector competence.

Main Results:

  • PGRP-LD knockdown (dsLD) increased susceptibility to Plasmodium berghei infection.
  • dsLD mosquitoes exhibited reduced gut microbiota abundance and altered distribution, linked to PM fragmentation.
  • Eliminating gut microbiota with antibiotics (Abx) led to PM loss and increased vector competence.
  • Restoring indigenous Enterobacter sp. in Abx mosquitoes normalized PM integrity and reduced vector capacity.

Conclusions:

  • Anopheles stephensi PGRP-LD protects against malaria by maintaining gut homeostasis and peritrophic matrix integrity.
  • PGRP-LD prevents hyper-immunity, which preserves gut microbiota and structural integrity of the PM, thereby limiting parasite infection.

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