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Paired C-type lectin receptors mediate specific recognition of divergent oomycete pathogens in C. elegans
Kenneth Liu1, Manish Grover1, Franziska Trusch1
1Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ London, UK.
Abstract:
Innate immune responses can be triggered upon detection of pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns by host receptors that are often present on the surface of immune cells. While invertebrates like Caenorhabditis elegans lack professional immune cells, they still mount pathogen-specific responses. However, the identity of host receptors in the nematode remains poorly understood. Here, we show that C-type lectin receptors mediate species-specific recognition of divergent oomycetes in C. elegans. A CLEC-27/CLEC-35 pair is essential for recognition of the oomycete Myzocytiopsis humicola, while a CLEC-26/CLEC-36 pair is required for detection of Haptoglossa zoospora. Both clec pairs are transcriptionally regulated through a shared promoter by the conserved PRD-like homeodomain transcription factor CEH-37/OTX2 and act in sensory neurons and the anterior intestine to trigger a protective immune response in the epidermis. This system enables redundant tissue sensing of oomycete threats through canonical CLEC receptors and host defense via cross-tissue communication.
Insights
C. elegans uses C-type lectin receptors (CLECs) to identify specific oomycete pathogens. These CLEC pairs, regulated by CEH-37/OTX2, trigger protective immune responses in the epidermis via cross-tissue communication.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Nematode Biology
Background:
- Innate immunity relies on pattern recognition receptors detecting pathogen-associated molecular patterns.
- While lacking professional immune cells, invertebrates like C. elegans exhibit pathogen-specific responses.
- The host receptors mediating these responses in nematodes are largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify host receptors involved in oomycete recognition in C. elegans.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying species-specific pathogen detection in nematodes.
- To understand how these receptors trigger protective immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Species-specific recognition assays using C. elegans and different oomycetes.
- Genetic analysis to identify key receptor pairs (CLEC-27/CLEC-35 and CLEC-26/CLEC-36).
- Transcriptional regulation studies involving the transcription factor CEH-37/OTX2.
- Analysis of receptor function in sensory neurons, intestine, and epidermis.
Main Results:
- C-type lectin receptors (CLECs) mediate species-specific recognition of oomycetes in C. elegans.
- The CLEC-27/CLEC-35 pair recognizes Myzocytiopsis humicola.
- The CLEC-26/CLEC-36 pair recognizes Haptoglossa zoospora.
- Both CLEC pairs are transcriptionally regulated by CEH-37/OTX2.
- CLEC-mediated recognition occurs in sensory neurons and the anterior intestine, triggering epidermal immune responses.
Conclusions:
- C-type lectin receptors are crucial for specific oomycete detection in C. elegans.
- A conserved transcription factor, CEH-37/OTX2, regulates these immune receptors.
- The system involves cross-tissue communication from neurons and intestine to the epidermis for defense.
- This highlights a redundant sensing mechanism for oomycete threats in nematodes.
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