Gut bacteria induce heterologous immune priming in Rhodnius prolixus encompassing both humoral and cellular immune responses.

ABSTRACT: Insects lack the adaptive, antibody mediated responses of vertebrates, yet they possess a robust innate immune system capable of defending themselves against pathogens. Immune priming has been observed in multiple insect species, wherein exposure to a pathogen provides protection against subsequent infections by the pathogen. Heterologous immune priming has also been described, where presence of one bacterial species provides protection against another. We determined that Rhodococcus rhodnii, a gut symbiont of the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus, induces strong heterologous immune priming, while axenic bugs lacking gut bacteria are highly susceptible to pathogens. Commensal Escherichia coli provides less robust protection. R. rhodnii must be alive within the insect as dead bacteria do not st

SUBMITTER: Gilliland CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12704851 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature