Similarly to BmToll9-1, BmToll9-2 Is a Positive Regulator of the Humoral Immune Response in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori

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Abstract
Toll receptors play important roles in the development and innate immunity of insects. Previously, we reported the immunological function of BmToll9-2 in silkworm, Bombyx mori, larvae. In this study, we focused on the role of BmToll9-2 as a regulator in the Toll signaling pathway. The expressions of most signaling genes in the Toll pathway, as well as immune effectors, were reduced after the RNAi of BmToll9-2. Coincidentally, hemolymph from BmToll9-2-silenced larvae exhibited decreased antibacterial activity in the growth of Escherichia coli, demonstrated either by growth curve or inhibitory zone experiments. The oral administration of heat-inactivated E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus following the RNAi of BmToll9-2 up-regulated the expression of most signaling genes in the Toll pathway and downstream immune effectors. The above results indicate that BmToll9-2 is positively involved in the Toll signaling pathway. As a positive regulator, BmToll9-2 is shown to be activated preferentially against E. coli and, in turn, positively modulates the humoral immune response in antibacterial activity.
Funding Information
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (31501898, 202102010465, 2019KTSCX133, 2017A030313152, 201710010094)
  • Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou (31501898, 202102010465, 2019KTSCX133, 2017A030313152, 201710010094)
  • Featured Innovation Project of Universities in Guangdong Province (31501898, 202102010465, 2019KTSCX133, 2017A030313152, 201710010094)
  • Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (31501898, 202102010465, 2019KTSCX133, 2017A030313152, 201710010094)
  • Pearl River S and T Nova Program of Guangzhou Municipality (31501898, 202102010465, 2019KTSCX133, 2017A030313152, 201710010094)

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