Immune-Related Genes in the Honey Bee Mite <i>Varroa destructor</i> (<i>Acarina, Parasitidae</i>).

ABSTRACT: Despite its ecological and economic importance, many aspects of Varroa destructor's biology remain poorly understood, particularly its defense mechanisms against pathogens. The limited knowledge of Varroa's immunity has hindered the development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategies targeting immune-related genes. In this study, we investigated the immune gene repertoire of V. destructor by querying its NCBI nr protein database and comparing it to model species of ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and mites (Galendromus occidentalis and Tetranychus urticae). Transcription of candidate immune genes was confirmed by analyzing a de novo assembled transcriptome of V. destructor. Our findings reveal that V. destructor shares key immunological

SUBMITTER: Cacace A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12027997 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature