TNF signaling mediates cellular immune function and promotes malaria parasite killing in the mosquito <i>Anopheles gambiae</i>.

ABSTRACT: Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine and a master regulator of immune cell function in vertebrates. While previous studies have implicated TNF signaling in invertebrate immunity, the roles of TNF in mosquito innate immunity and vector competence have yet to be explored. Herein, we confirm the identification of a conserved TNF-α pathway in Anopheles gambiae consisting of the TNF-α ligand, Eiger, and its cognate receptors Wengen and Grindelwald. Through gene expression analysis, RNAi, and in vivo injection of recombinant TNF-α, we provide direct evidence for the requirement of TNF signaling in regulating mosquito immune cell function by promoting granulocyte midgut attachment, increased granulocyte abundance, and oenocytoid rupture. Moreover, our data d

SUBMITTER: Samantsidis GR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11092648 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature