The transcription factor Relish controls Anaplasma marginale infection in the bovine tick Rhipicephalus microplus

Author(s)

Capelli-Peixoto, J. ; Carvalho, Danielle D. ; Johnson, Wendell C. ; Scoles, Glen A. ; Fogaca, Andrea C. ; Daffre, Sirlei ; Ueti, Massaro W.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY; v. 74, p. 32-39, SEP 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Rhipicephalus microplus is an important biological vector of Anaplasma marginale, the etiological agent of bovine anaplasmosis. The knowledge of tick immune responses to control bacterial infections remains limited. In this study, we demonstrate that transcription factor Relish from the IMD signaling pathway has an important role in the control of A. marginale infection in ticks. We found that RNA-mediated silencing of Relish caused a significant increase in the number of A. marginale in the midgut and salivary glands of R. microplus. In addition, the IMD pathway regulates the expression of the gene that encodes the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) microplusin. Moreover, microplusin expression was up-regulated in the midgut (2x) and salivary glands (8x) of A. marginale infected R. microplus. Therefore, it is plausible to hypothesize that microplusin may be involved in the A. marginale control. This study provides the first evidence of IMD signaling pathway participation on the A. marginale control in R. microplus. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/23549-2 - Signaling pathways involved in the immune response of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus
• Grantee: Janaína Capelli Peixoto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/25213-7 - Cellular signaling pathways involved in the immune response of cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus
• Grantee: Janaína Capelli Peixoto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate