A Neuron-Specific Antiviral Mechanism Modulates the Persistent Infection of Rice Rhabdoviruses in Leafhopper Vectors.

ABSTRACT: Many plant rhabdoviruses are neurotropic and can persistently infect the central nervous system (CNS) of their insect vectors without causing significant cytopathology. The mechanisms by which the insect CNS resists infection by plant rhabdoviruses are largely unknown. Here, we report that the neural factor Hikaru genki homolog of the leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps (NcHig) limits the spread of the nucleorhabdovirus rice yellow stunt virus (RYSV) in vector CNS. NcHig is predominantly expressed in the CNS of N. cincticeps, and the knockdown of NcHig expression by RNA interference enhances RYSV infection of the CNS. Furthermore, immuno-blockade of NcHig function by microinjection of N. cincticeps with NcHig antibody also enhances viral infection of the CNS. Thus

SUBMITTER: Wang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7180231 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature