Negative regulation of hippo-mediated antiviral response targeted WSSV in Penaeus vannamei

• Published in: Aquaculture 2025-02, Vol.596, p.741857, Article 741857
• Main Authors: Shi, Hong, Lin, Wenyang, He, Yibin, Ren, Jie, Jian, Yiwen, Huang, Zhihao, Huang, Caozhi, Zou, Chenchen, Ruan, Lingwei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antiviral immunity; Apoptosis; hemocytes; hepatopancreas; Hippo signaling pathway; lectins; Litopenaeus vannamei; mortality; Penaeus vannamei; shrimp; shrimp culture; species; transcription (genetics); transcriptomics; White spot syndrome virus; WSSV
• ISSN: 0044-8486
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.741857

Penaeus vannamei is a vital crustacean species in global aquaculture. It is challenged by various pathogens, including the devastating White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), which often causes high mortality rates. Hippo signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved mechanism controlling organ development and immune responses, has been implicated in antiviral defense. In this study, we identified and characterized the core components (PvHpo, PvSav, PvWts, and PvMats) of the Hippo kinase cascade in P. vannamei. Transcriptional analysis linked the Hippo kinase cascade to WSSV infection, which displayed distinct expression patterns. They were up-regulated in hepatopancreas, while down-regulated in gills post WSSV infection. The central component, PvHpo, was further studied. Knockdown experiments demonstrated that PvHpo played a crucial role in immune regulation against WSSV. Subcellular localization of PvHpo in shrimp hemocytes suggested its cytoplasmic growth-suppressive function. Moreover, transcriptome analysis and knockdown experiments implicated PvHpo in regulating antiviral responses through apoptosis, and modulation of signaling pathways as well, such as mTOR, Toll, Imd, and C-type lectin receptors. This work established a connection between Hippo signaling pathway and WSSV, which opened new avenues for developing effective antiviral strategies in shrimp aquaculture. •The core components of the Hippo kinase cascade (Hpo, Sav, Wts, and Mats) in Hippo signaling pathway from P. vannamei was identified.•A significant link between the Hippo kinase cascade and shrimp's response to the virus revealed a coordinated regulation and potential role in cellular defense.•Regulation of apoptosis by PvHpo was a part of the shrimp's antiviral defense.•PvHpo contributed to the broader host antiviral defense through additional pathways.