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Caspase-3, a shrimp phosphorylated hemocytic protein is necessary to control YHV infection

Phattara-Orn Havanapan1, Suparat Taengchaiyaphum2, Atchara Paemanee3

  • 1Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Phutthamonthon 4 Rd, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.

Fish & Shellfish Immunology
|April 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Yellow head virus (YHV) replicates in shrimp hemocytes, particularly granular cells (GC). Blocking caspase-3, a key protein, increases viral replication and shrimp mortality, indicating its role in antiviral defense.

Area of Science:

  • Aquatic animal health
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Yellow head virus (YHV) causes significant mortality in shrimp aquaculture.
  • Hemocytes are crucial immune cells in shrimp, involved in antiviral responses.
  • Understanding host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level is vital for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular localization and molecular mechanisms of YHV replication in shrimp hemocytes.
  • To identify host proteins involved in the antiviral immune response against YHV.
  • To elucidate the role of caspase-3 in shrimp immunity against YHV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry to detect YHV in hemocytes.
  • Comparative phosphoproteomics to analyze protein expression in infected and non-infected hemocytes.
  • Inhibition of caspase-3 activity using a specific inhibitor (Ac-DEVD-CMK).

Main Results:

  • YHV was detected in semi-granular hemocytes (SGC) and granular hemocytes (GC), with higher levels in GC.
  • Phosphoproteomic analysis revealed differential expression of phosphoproteins, including caspase-3, in YHV-infected GC.
  • Blocking caspase-3 activity led to increased YHV replication and shrimp mortality.
  • Immunohistochemistry confirmed higher viral loads when caspase-3 was inhibited.
  • Shrimp caspase-3 was identified as a hemocytic protein regulated by phosphorylation at serine residues.

Conclusions:

  • Caspase-3 is a hemocytic protein in shrimp granular hemocytes that plays a critical role in the anti-YHV immune response.
  • Phosphorylation is a key post-translational modification regulating shrimp caspase-3 activity.
  • Targeting caspase-3 could be a potential strategy for managing YHV outbreaks in shrimp.
Keywords:
Caspase-3Granular hemocytePhosphoproteomicsPhosphorylation

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