Suppression of scavenger receptors transcription by parasitoid factors

Scavenger receptors (SR) are a group of membrane proteins that play central roles in various functions, such as immune responses in insects. Members of different SR classes were identified from Plutella xylostella larval transcriptome. SR B1 and B3 were found to be differentially expressed in larvae and pupae. Expression of P. xylostella SR genes was significantly altered during immune challenge induced in P. xylostella cells (Px) and parasitized larvae. Maternal factors injected into the larvae by the endoparasitoid wasp Diadegma semiclausum at oviposition include venom and ichnovirus (DsIV) genes to suppress the host immune system. Transient expression of two DsIV genes, Vankyrin1 and Repeat element 4 (Rep4), in Px cells led to significant down-regulation of both SR B1 and B3 transcript levels, while DsIV Rep4 expression did not change the relative transcription levels of SR B3. In conclusion, it appears that the two members of the SR family play important roles in innate immune responses in P. xylostella and that each member of this group may play different roles in the host–parasitoid interaction.

► New members of scavenger receptors were identified from Plutella xylostella transcriptome.
► Expression of the scavenger receptors was down-regulated in parasitized larvae.
► Expression of the receptors was also altered in LPS-treated cells.