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Published on: January 12, 2017
Mosquito pericardial cells upregulate Cecropin expression after an immune challenge
Victor Cardoso-Jaime1, Krystal Maya-Maldonado1, Víctor Tsutsumi2
1Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Av. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62100, Mexico; Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México, C.P. 07360, Mexico.
Abstract:
Most mosquito-transmitted pathogens grow or replicate in the midgut before invading the salivary glands. Pathogens are exposed to several immunological factors along the way. Recently, it was shown that hemocytes gather near the periostial region of the heart to efficiently phagocytose pathogens circulating in the hemolymph. Nerveless, not all pathogens can be phagocyted by hemocytes and eliminated by lysis. Interestingly, some studies have shown that pericardial cells (PCs) surrounding periostial regions, may produce humoral factors, such as lysozymes. Our current work provides evidence that Anopheles albimanus PCs are a major producer of Cecropin 1 (Cec1). Furthermore, our findings reveal that after an immunological challenge, PCs upregulate Cec1 expression. We conclude that PCs are positioned in a strategic location that could allow releasing humoral components, such as cecropin, to lyse pathogens on the heart or circulating in the hemolymph, implying that PCs could play a significant role in the systemic immune response.
Insights
Anopheles albimanus pericardial cells are a major source of Cecropin 1, a key immune factor. These cells upregulate Cec1 expression upon immune challenge, suggesting a vital role in mosquito systemic immunity.
Area of Science:
- Mosquito immunology
- Invertebrate pathology
- Vector-borne disease research
Background:
- Mosquitoes transmit pathogens, which face immune defenses during development.
- Hemocytes phagocytose pathogens, but some evade this clearance.
- Pericardial cells (PCs) are known to produce immune factors like lysozymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Anopheles albimanus pericardial cells (PCs) in the mosquito immune response.
- To identify specific immune factors produced by PCs.
- To understand how PC immune factor production is regulated.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry to localize Cecropin 1 (Cec1) production in Anopheles albimanus.
- Gene expression analysis (e.g., RT-qPCR) to assess Cec1 upregulation after immune challenge.
- Analysis of PC location and potential role in hemolymph immune surveillance.
Main Results:
- Anopheles albimanus PCs are identified as a major production site for Cecropin 1 (Cec1).
- PCs significantly upregulate Cec1 expression following an immune challenge.
- The strategic location of PCs suggests a role in releasing Cec1 into the hemolymph.
Conclusions:
- Pericardial cells are a significant source of the antimicrobial peptide Cecropin 1 in Anopheles albimanus.
- Immune stimulation leads to increased Cec1 production by PCs.
- PCs likely contribute substantially to the mosquito's systemic immune defense against pathogens by releasing cecropins.
