Entry of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus into BmN cells by cholesterol-dependent macropinocytic endocytosis

• BmNPV enters host cell (BmN) by clathrin-independent macropinocytic endocytosis.
• BmNPV entry is mediated by membrane cholesterol in dose dependent manner.
• Cholesterol depletion of BmN cells results in the failure of membrane ruffling.

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a serious viral pathogen of silkworm, and no drug or specific protection against BmNPV infection is available at present time. Although functions of most BmNPV genes were depicted in recent years, knowledge on the mechanism of BmNPV entry into insect cells is still limited. Here BmNPV cell entry mechanism is investigated by different endocytic inhibitor application and subcellular analysis. Results indicated that BmNPV enters BmN cells by clathrin-independent macropinocytic endocytosis, which is mediated by cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner, and cholesterol replenishment rescued the BmNPV infection partially.