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Published on: August 7, 2018
Study of the antivirus function mediated by STING in Micropterus salmoides
Jin-Quan Fan1, Qian-Ming Hong1, Li-Shi Liu1
1Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering (IMASE), Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, College of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
Abstract:
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has been demonstrated as a critical mediator in the innate immune response to cytosolic DNA and RNA derived from different pathogens. While the role of Micropterus salmoides STING (MsSTING) in largemouth bass virus is still unknown. In this study, RT-qPCR assay and Western-blot assay showed that the expression levels of MsSTING and its downstream genes were up-regulated after LMBV infection. Pull down experiment proved that a small peptide called Fusion peptide (FP) that previously reported to target to marine and human STING as a selective inhibitor also interacted with MsSTING in vitro. Comparing with the RNA-seq of Largemouth bass infected with LMBV singly, 326 genes were significantly up-regulated and 379 genes were significantly down-regulated in the FP plus LMBV group in which Largemouth bass was treatment with FP before LMBV-challenged. KEGG analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly related to signaling transduction, infectious disease viral, immune system and endocrine system. Besides, the survival rate of LMBV-infected largemouth bass was highly decreased following FP treatment. Taken together, our study showed that MsSTING played an important role in immune response against LMBV infection.
Insights
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in largemouth bass is crucial for antiviral immunity against largemouth bass virus (LMBV). Inhibiting MsSTING with Fusion peptide (FP) worsens LMBV infection outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Aquatic Animal Health
Background:
- Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a key regulator of innate immunity against pathogens.
- The function of Micropterus salmoides STING (MsSTING) in response to largemouth bass virus (LMBV) remains uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MsSTING in the innate immune response of largemouth bass to LMBV infection.
- To determine the effect of the STING inhibitor Fusion peptide (FP) on LMBV pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- RT-qPCR and Western blot assays were used to analyze MsSTING expression.
- Pull-down assays confirmed the interaction between MsSTING and FP.
- RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and KEGG pathway analysis identified differentially expressed genes.
- Survival rates were assessed in largemouth bass challenged with LMBV and treated with FP.
Main Results:
- LMBV infection upregulated MsSTING and downstream immune gene expression.
- Fusion peptide (FP) interacted with MsSTING in vitro.
- FP treatment prior to LMBV challenge significantly altered gene expression profiles and decreased survival rates in largemouth bass.
- KEGG analysis revealed enrichment of pathways related to signaling, viral infection, and immune responses.
Conclusions:
- MsSTING plays a significant role in the immune defense against LMBV in largemouth bass.
- Targeting MsSTING with inhibitors like FP exacerbates LMBV infection, highlighting its importance in antiviral immunity.
