Transcriptional induction of the IMD signaling pathway and associated antibacterial activity in the digestive tract of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis).

IF 3 2区 医学 Q1 PARASITOLOGY Parasites & Vectors Pub Date : 2024-12-30 DOI:10.1186/s13071-024-06613-x
Katie Weber, Dhruva Karnik, Lisa D Brown
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Abstract

Background: Fleas are insect vectors that transmit several Gram-negative bacterial pathogens acquired by ingesting infected vertebrate blood. To combat foodborne illness, insect midgut epithelial cells are armed with efficient microbial recognition and control systems, such as the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway that regulates the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, despite their medical and veterinary importance, relatively little is known about the IMD signaling pathway and production of AMPs in the digestive tract of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis).

Methods: In the present study, we measured the expression of target genes comprising the IMD pathway, as well as corresponding AMP transcripts, in the digestive tract of C. felis following exposure to three different species of bacteria: Gram-negative Bartonella henselae (a flea-borne pathogen), Gram-negative Serratia marcescens (a model laboratory species), and Gram-positive Micrococcus luteus (a model laboratory species). Additionally, we examined the antibacterial activity of proteins isolated from the flea digestive tract in vitro following bacterial challenge and at different days post adult emergence to determine if feeding-induced antibacterial activity varies with age.

Results: In our analysis of C. felis, we observed an increase in the expression of representative IMD pathway genes and associated AMP transcripts, indicating the activation of the IMD pathway. Furthermore, our results revealed that different bacterial species elicit distinct transcriptional profiles of IMD pathway genes, suggesting a species-specific response to bacterial invasion. We found that the gut of C. felis produces antibacterial molecules as a localized defense mechanism. Additionally, we observed that proteins with antimicrobial properties are synthesized as part of local defense mechanisms in the gut, with differential patterns of antibacterial activity related to infection status and age.

Conclusions: Our findings provide essential insights into the potential mechanisms by which cat fleas regulate immune responses in their digestive tract against different bacterial species.

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来源期刊
Parasites & Vectors
Parasites & Vectors 医学-寄生虫学
CiteScore
6.30
自引率
9.40%
发文量
433
审稿时长
1.4 months
期刊介绍: Parasites & Vectors is an open access, peer-reviewed online journal dealing with the biology of parasites, parasitic diseases, intermediate hosts, vectors and vector-borne pathogens. Manuscripts published in this journal will be available to all worldwide, with no barriers to access, immediately following acceptance. However, authors retain the copyright of their material and may use it, or distribute it, as they wish. Manuscripts on all aspects of the basic and applied biology of parasites, intermediate hosts, vectors and vector-borne pathogens will be considered. In addition to the traditional and well-established areas of science in these fields, we also aim to provide a vehicle for publication of the rapidly developing resources and technology in parasite, intermediate host and vector genomics and their impacts on biological research. We are able to publish large datasets and extensive results, frequently associated with genomic and post-genomic technologies, which are not readily accommodated in traditional journals. Manuscripts addressing broader issues, for example economics, social sciences and global climate change in relation to parasites, vectors and disease control, are also welcomed.
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