Involvement of Fenneropenaeus chinensis Cathepsin C in antiviral immunity

► Fc-Cath C was upregulated in hemocytes, hepatopancreas, gills and intestine after challenged by white spot syndrome viruses. ► Replication of white spot syndrome viruses increased after the injection of Fc-Cath C antiserum. ► Replication of white spot syndrome viruses increased in Marsupenaeus japonicus after Mj-Cath was knocked down. ► Cathepsin C might have an important function in the antiviral immune response of shrimp.