White spot syndrome virus immediate-early protein (wsv100) antagonizes the NF-κB pathway to inhibit innate immune response in shrimp.

ABSTRACT: Viruses have evolved sophisticated strategies to evade host immune defenses, often targeting conserved signaling pathways. In shrimp, the NF-κB signaling pathway is crucial for antiviral immunity, yet its regulation during White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) infection remains poorly understood. Here, we identify and characterize wsv100, an immediate-early (IE) protein of WSSV, as a key antagonist of the NF-κB pathway. wsv100 interacts directly with the transcription factor Dorsal, preventing Dorsal phosphorylation by Pelle kinase. This inhibition suppresses Dorsal's nuclear translocation and downstream expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), essential for antiviral defense. Knockdown of wsv100 reduced WSSV replication, increased Dorsal phosphorylation, and enhanced AMP expression, leadin

SUBMITTER: Xiao B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12187017 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature