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<p>Insects rely on robust innate immunity to limit pathogen efficacy, creating substantial barriers for biological control applications. Here, we characterize <i>OfRelish</i>, a key NF-κB transcription factor in the Imd pathway of <i>Odontotermes formosanus</i> (Shiraki) (Blattodea: Termitidae). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its orthology to Blattodea Relish proteins, demonstrating evolutionary conservation. RT-qPCR revealed contrasting immune dynamics: bacterial challenges, <i>Serratia marcescens</i> (Bizio) and <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> (Berliner) triggered rapid <i>OfRelish</i> upregulation, whereas <i>Beauveria bassiana</i> (Bals) induced delayed but stronger induction (&gt; 2.51-fold <i>vs</i>. controls at 48&#xa0;h), reflecting pathogen-specific adaptation strategies. RNAi-mediated knockdown of <i>OfRelish</i> significantly increased termite mortality following infection by <i>S. marcescens</i> (98.3% <i>vs</i>. 48.3% in&#xa0;controls at 46&#xa0;h) and <i>B. thuringiensis</i> (51.7% <i>vs</i>. 21.7% in&#xa0;controls at 39&#xa0;h), but not <i>B. bassiana</i>. This establishes <i>OfRelish</i> as an essential regulator of antibacterial responses with minimal role in anti-fungal defense. Our findings collectively demonstrate that <i>OfRelish</i> is a pivotal mediator of <i>O. formosanus</i> immune responses against entomopathogenic bacteria, thereby establishing a strategic framework for novel termite control via RNAi-targeted immunosuppression synergized with bacterial biocontrol agents.</p>

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RNAi-mediated suppression of OfRelish enhances the efficacy of entomopathogenic bacteria against Odontotermes formosanus (Blattodea: Termitidae)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月13日

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  • Xinyi Tang,
  • Kai Feng,
  • Fang Tang

摘要

Insects rely on robust innate immunity to limit pathogen efficacy, creating substantial barriers for biological control applications. Here, we characterize OfRelish, a key NF-κB transcription factor in the Imd pathway of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) (Blattodea: Termitidae). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its orthology to Blattodea Relish proteins, demonstrating evolutionary conservation. RT-qPCR revealed contrasting immune dynamics: bacterial challenges, Serratia marcescens (Bizio) and Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) triggered rapid OfRelish upregulation, whereas Beauveria bassiana (Bals) induced delayed but stronger induction (> 2.51-fold vs. controls at 48 h), reflecting pathogen-specific adaptation strategies. RNAi-mediated knockdown of OfRelish significantly increased termite mortality following infection by S. marcescens (98.3% vs. 48.3% in controls at 46 h) and B. thuringiensis (51.7% vs. 21.7% in controls at 39 h), but not B. bassiana. This establishes OfRelish as an essential regulator of antibacterial responses with minimal role in anti-fungal defense. Our findings collectively demonstrate that OfRelish is a pivotal mediator of O. formosanus immune responses against entomopathogenic bacteria, thereby establishing a strategic framework for novel termite control via RNAi-targeted immunosuppression synergized with bacterial biocontrol agents.