A Kazal type serine proteinase SPIPm2 from the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon is capable of neutralization and protection of hemocytes from the white spot syndrome virus

A Kazal type serine proteinase SPIPm2 is abundantly expressed in the hemocytes and shown to be involved in innate immune response against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in Penaeus monodon. The SPIPm2 is expressed and stored in the granules in the cytoplasm of semigranular and granular but not the hyaline hemocytes. Upon WSSV challenge and progression of infection, the SPIPm2 was secreted readily from the semigranular and granular hemocytes. The more they secreted the SPIPm2, the less they were distinguishable from the hyaline cells. The WSSV-infected cells were either semigranular or granular hemocytes or both and depleted of SPIPm2. The rSPIPm2 was able to temporarily and dose-dependently neutralize the WSSV and protect the hemocytes from viral infection judging from the substantially less expression of WSSV late gene VP28. The antiviral activity was very likely due to the binding of SPIPm2 to the components of viral particle and hemocyte cell membrane.

► The SPIPm2 from Penaeus monodon in the hemocytes is secreted upon WSSV challenge.
► The WSSV-infected cells are either semigranular or granular hemocytes or both.
► The rSPIPm2 is able to neutralize the WSSV and protect the hemocytes from viral infection.
► The SPIPm2 binds to WSSV and hemocyte cell membrane.