Unveiling the impact of shrimp piRNAs on WSSV infection and immune modulation
Issued Date
2025-03-01
Resource Type
ISSN
10504648
eISSN
10959947
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85215869152
Journal Title
Fish and Shellfish Immunology
Volume
158
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Fish and Shellfish Immunology Vol.158 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Luangtrakul W., Wongdontri C., Jaree P., Boonchuen P., Somboonviwat K., Sarnow P., Somboonwiwat K. Unveiling the impact of shrimp piRNAs on WSSV infection and immune modulation. Fish and Shellfish Immunology Vol.158 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.fsi.2025.110124 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/103101
Title
Unveiling the impact of shrimp piRNAs on WSSV infection and immune modulation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in gene regulation and immune defense. This study investigates their function in Penaeus vannamei shrimp during White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) infection. Analysis of small RNA libraries from WSSV-infected shrimp hemocytes identified 82,788 piRNA homologs, with 138 showing altered expression during infection. Putative piRNAs were mapped to both the P. vannamei nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, highlighting their diverse origins. Interestingly, some piRNA sequences from uninfected shrimp mapped to both the shrimp and WSSV genomes, suggesting potential subversion or integration of viral fragments into the host genome. We focused on piR-pva-926938, a downregulated piRNA targeting the WSSV186 gene. Introducing piR-pva-926938 into WSSV-infected shrimp suppressed WSSV186 expression, but paradoxically increased viral load by downregulating host immune genes like calcineurin B and dynamin-binding protein. This study is the first to report WSSV-responsive piRNAs in shrimp and reveals the complex interplay between piRNAs, viral genes, and host immunity during WSSV infection.