Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus Bm96 suppresses viral virulence in Bombyx mori larvae

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Insect Pathology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a significant pathogen affecting the domestic silkworm, Bombyx mori.
• The BmNPV genome contains over 140 protein-coding genes, but many remain uncharacterized.
• Understanding gene function is crucial for controlling BmNPV outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function of the uncharacterized BmNPV gene, Bm96.
• To determine the role of Bm96 in viral replication and pathogenesis in Bombyx mori cells and larvae.

Main Methods:

• Expression analysis of Bm96 protein in Bombyx mori cultured cells post-infection.
• Generation and analysis of Bm96-deletion BmNPV mutants.
• Comparison of viral propagation and lethality between wild-type and Bm96-deletion viruses in Bombyx mori larvae.
• Assessment of larval locomotory activity.

Main Results:

• Bm96 protein expression is highest at 24 hours post-infection and declines by 48 hours post-infection in cultured cells.
• Bm96-deletion viruses showed increased viral propagation in Bombyx mori larvae.
• Larvae infected with Bm96-deletion viruses exhibited a fast-killing phenotype.
• A reduction in locomotory activity was observed in larvae infected with Bm96-deletion viruses.

Conclusions:

• Bm96 negatively regulates the propagation of BmNPV in Bombyx mori larvae.
• The Bm96 gene plays a critical role in the BmNPV life cycle and pathogenesis.
• Further research into Bm96 could lead to novel strategies for managing BmNPV infections in silkworms.