A TRIM-like protein restricts WSSV replication in the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense

Tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins are a multifunctional family of ubiquitin E3 ligases involved in multiple biological processes. Studies have shown that many TRIM proteins in mammals play vital roles in the host defense against viral pathogens. In the present study, we identified a novel TRIM gene (MnTrim-like) from the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense. Predicted MnTrim-like protein contains the characteristic RING finger domain. MnTrim-like was abundantly distributed in hepatopancreas, intestine, stomach, and gills. Upon white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge, transcripts of MnTrim-like in the stomach were significantly up-regulated. Knockdown of MnTrim-like increased the expression of VP28 and decreased the synthesis of several antimicrobial peptides, including two crustins and one anti-lipopolysaccharide factor. Besides, silencing of these three antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) led to an increase in the expression of VP28 and WSSV copies. Moreover, it was found that injection of recombinant MnTrim-like protein with WSSV could decrease the transcription of VP28 and the number of virus particles. These results suggest that this MnTrim-like may restrict WSSV infection by positively regulating the expression of AMPs with antiviral activities and directly interacting with viral components. This study will broaden our understanding about the function of TRIM in crustacean during viral infection.