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Five Silkworm 30K Proteins Are Involved in the Cellular Immunity against Fungi

Lin Ye1,2, Yan Zhang1,2, Zhaoming Dong1,2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.

Insects
|January 30, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Silkworm 30K proteins, like BmLP1 and BmLP4, act as pattern recognition molecules. They directly recruit immune cells (hemocytes) to fungal surfaces, enhancing cellular immunity against fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • 30K proteins are key nutrient storage proteins in silkworm hemolymph.
  • Previous research suggests 30K proteins play a role in anti-fungal immunity.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms of this immune function were previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the transcriptional expression of five specific 30K proteins (BmLP1, BmLP2, BmLP3, BmLP4, BmLP7).
  • To determine the binding capabilities of these proteins to fungal cells and hemocytes.
  • To elucidate the role of 30K proteins in silkworm cellular immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Transcriptional expression analysis of five 30K proteins in silkworms.
  • Recombinant protein expression in an *Escherichia coli* system.
  • Binding assays using fungal cells, hemocytes, and coated agarose beads.

Main Results:

  • Five 30K proteins were significantly upregulated following pathogen-associated molecular pattern injection.
  • BmLP1 and BmLP4 demonstrated binding to both fungal cells and hemocytes.
  • BmLP1 and BmLP4 promoted hemocyte encapsulation in vitro, which was blocked by specific antibodies.

Conclusions:

  • Silkworm 30K proteins function as pattern recognition molecules in cellular immunity.
  • BmLP1 and BmLP4 directly recruit hemocytes to fungal surfaces.
  • These findings clarify the molecular mechanism of 30K proteins in anti-fungal defense.
Keywords:
30K proteinsBombyx moricellular immunityfungi

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