Identification and Phylogenetic Analyses of Two Isoforms of the Antibacterial Gene Diptericin from the Larval Tissue of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract

Objective: Insect immune system has a potent arsenal of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that cooperate to clear microbial invasions. Here we aimed to explore the immune response of Musca domestica larvae when bacterially challenged and pick up induced antibacterial genes. These genes can be used in the production of novel antibiotics to compensate for the increasing demand of antibiotics in the era of resistant bacterial strains. Materials and Methods:Hemolymph and whole body of third instar larvae were collected at 2-h intervals for 24 h postinfection. Integer and pure total RNA were transcribed into cDNA. Differential display technique was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Ten reproducible bacterial-induced bands were sequenced. Sequenced DNA fragments were deposited in GenBank under KM205630 and Hl205631 accession numbers.

Colonization Resistance of Symbionts in Their Insect Hosts

“…When the same pathogen invades the vertebrate host for the second time, specific antigen recognition receptors on the lymphocytes could recognize the pathogen and activate a more specific defense response, i.e., adaptive immunity, thereby increasing the efficacy of host immune responses [2]. In contrast, insects lack an adaptive immune system and thus rely on a powerful innate immune system that fights against pathogen infections [3].…”