Interaction of entomopathogenic fungi with the host immune system

• Published in: Developmental and comparative immunology Vol. 83; pp. 96 - 103
• Main Authors: Qu, Shuang, Wang, Sibao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2018; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: AMPs; Antimicrobial peptides; Avoidance behavior; Barriers; Cell-mediated immunity; Entomopathogenic fungi; Fungal infections; Fungal pathogen; Fungi; Host-pathogen interactions; host-pathogen relationships; hosts; Humoral immunity; Immune response; Immune system; Immunity; Innate immunity; insect cuticle; Insect immunity; Insecticides; Insects; microbial growth; Molecular chains; Molecular interactions; Organic chemistry; Pathogens; Peptides; Pest control; Pests; Reactive oxygen species; Fungal pathogen; AMPs; Insect immunity; Host-pathogen interactions
• ISSN: 0145-305X; 1879-0089; 1879-0089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.01.010

Entomopathogenic fungi can invade wide range of insect hosts in the natural world and have been used as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides for pest control. Studies of host-pathogen interactions provide valuable insights into the coevolutionay arms race between fungal pathogens and their hosts. Entomopathogenic fungi have evolved a series of sophisticated strategies to counter insect immune defenses. In response to fungal infection, insect hosts rely on behavior avoidance, physical barrier and innate immune defenses in the fight against invading pathogens. The insect cuticle acts as the first physical barrier against pathogens. It is an inhospitable physiological environment that contains chemicals (e.g., antimicrobial peptides and reactive oxygen species), which inhibit fungal growth. In addition, innate immune responses, including cellular immunity and humoral immunity, play critical roles in preventing fungal infection. In this review, we outline the current state of our knowledge of insect defenses to fungal infection and discuss the strategies by which entomopathogenic fungi counter the host immune system. Increased knowledge regarding the molecular interactions between entomopathogenic fungi and the insect host could provide new strategies for pest management. •Outline the schematic of infection process of entomopathogenic fungi and interactions with their insect host.•Entomopathogenic fungi have evolved a series of sophisticated strategies to counter insect immune defenses.•Insect hosts rely on behavior avoidance, physical barriers, and innate immune defenses against invading pathogens.•The interactions between insect and pathogens through the immune molecules promote continuous evolution of both organisms.