Time-series RNA sequencing reveals that immulectin-1 (IML-1) is a potential target for biological control of fall...

Insects mount robust immune responses to reduce the efficacy of biopesticides. Identification of critical immune targets for biocontrol strategies is thus essential. However, immune targets in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a major pest of corn, remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the immune response of S. frugiperda to the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Time-series RNA sequencing revealed 863, 717, and 165 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 24, 48, and 60 h post-infection, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related terms and pathways. Among the DEGs, the gene encoding immulectin SfIML-1, a C-type lectin with dual carbohydrate recognition domains, was significantly upregulated during the early and intermediate stages of infection. Genome-wide analysis identified nine IML genes, with SfIML-1 as the only one highly responsive to B. bassiana. Recombinant SfIML-1 binds pathogen-associated molecular patterns and pathogens, enhancing cellular responses. RNAi of SfIML-1 decreased survival after fungal infection, while injection of recombinant SfIML-1 increased survival. Suppression of the NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways diminished SfIML-1 expression in both fat body and Sf9 cells. These results identify SfIML-1 as a key pattern recognition receptor and a promising target for developing novel biocontrol strategies.