[PS02-06] Integrins of Mythimna separata in Cellular Immunity
Integrins, as conserved receptors, have been reported to be involved in insect cellular immunity. However, the mechanisms of integrins in these processes remain unclear. To explore the role of integrins in cellular immunity and the underlying mechanisms, we characterized eight α and four β subunits in Mythimna separata. Gene expression analysis showed that most integrins were upregulated by the transplantation of large beads rather than the injection of small beads. Especially, integrin α2 (INTα2) was highly upregulated in capsules of abiotic large beads and pathogenic nematodes. Immunostaining analysis of INTα2 revealed that strong fluorescence signals were detected in hemocytes surrounding the beads. Furthermore, the encapsulation ability of hemocytes was inhibited by incubation with INTα2 antibodies. When INTα2 expression was inhibited by injection of dsRNA into larvae, the encapsulation rate of beads was also decreased. Based on the results, we speculate that INTα2 plays an important role in recognizing large invaders and mediating hemocyte behavior in encapsulation.