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Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
Pathology and genome sequence of a Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) isolate from Heilongjiang,
Robert L Harrison1, Daniel L Rowley1, Melody A Keena2
1Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Service, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
Abstract:
The pathogenicity and genome sequence of isolate LdMNPV-HrB of the gypsy moth alphabaculovirus, Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus from Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, were determined. A stock of this virus from one passage through the gypsy moth New Jersey Standard Strain (LdMNPV-HrB-NJSS) exhibited 6.2- to 11.9-fold greater pathogenicity against larvae from a Harbin colony of L. dispar asiatica than both Gypchek and a Massachusetts, USA LdMNPV isolate (LdMNPV-Ab-a624). Sequence determination and phylogenetic analysis of LdMNPV-HrB and LdMNPV-HrB-NJSS revealed that these isolates were most similar to other east Asian LdMNPV isolates with 98.8% genome sequence identity and formed a group with the east Asian LdMNPV isolates which was separate from groups of isolates from Russia, Europe, and USA.
Insights
A Chinese Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) isolate showed higher pathogenicity against gypsy moth larvae. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its distinct East Asian origin, separate from European and North American strains.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- The gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a significant forest pest.
- Alphabaculoviruses, such as Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV), are insect-specific viruses used in biological control.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of LdMNPV isolates is crucial for effective pest management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the pathogenicity and genome sequence of a novel LdMNPV isolate from Harbin, China (LdMNPV-HrB).
- To compare the pathogenicity of LdMNPV-HrB with other LdMNPV isolates.
- To conduct phylogenetic analysis to understand the evolutionary relationships of LdMNPV-HrB.
Main Methods:
- Pathogenicity assays using Lymantria dispar larvae from Harbin and New Jersey Standard Strain.
- Genome sequencing of LdMNPV-HrB and its passaged strain (LdMNPV-HrB-NJSS).
- Phylogenetic analysis based on genome sequences.
Main Results:
- The LdMNPV-HrB isolate, particularly after one passage (LdMNPV-HrB-NJSS), demonstrated significantly higher pathogenicity (6.2- to 11.9-fold) against L. dispar asiatica larvae compared to Gypchek and a USA isolate (LdMNPV-Ab-a624).
- Genome sequence determination revealed 98.8% identity between LdMNPV-HrB and LdMNPV-HrB-NJSS.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed LdMNPV-HrB within a distinct cluster of East Asian LdMNPV isolates, separate from Russian, European, and USA isolates.
Conclusions:
- The LdMNPV-HrB isolate represents a highly pathogenic strain with East Asian origins.
- This finding has implications for the development of targeted biological control strategies for gypsy moth populations in Asia.
- Genetic divergence among LdMNPV isolates correlates with geographic origin.
