C-Type Lectins Link Immunological and Reproductive Processes in Aedes aegypti
Hsing-Han Li, Yu Cai, Jian‐Chiuan Li, Matthew P. Su, Wei‐Liang Liu, Lie Cheng, Shu‐Jen Chou, Guann‐Yi Yu, Horng‐Dar Wang, Chun‐Hong Chen
Abstract
mutants showed significantly reduced DENV-2 infection rate and gut commensal microbiota populations, as well as upregulated JAK/STAT, IMD, Toll, and AMPs immunological pathways. Mutants also had significantly shorter lifespans than controls and laid fewer eggs due to defective germ line development. dsRNA knock-down of Attacin and Gambicin, two targets of the AMPs pathway, partially rescued this reduction in reproductive capabilities. Upregulation of immune response following GCTL-3 knock-out therefore comes at a cost to reproductive fitness. Knock-out of other lectins may further improve our knowledge of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying reproduction-immunity trade-offs in mosquitoes.