Regulation of the antimicrobial peptide defensin in response to gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial immune activation in the common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius

On-Demand

Presenting Author(s)

Sanam Meraj

Simon Fraser University
West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Co-Author(s)

EM

Emerson Mohr

Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
CL

Carl Lowenberger

Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
GG

Gerhard Gries

Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, British Columbia, CAN
NK

Negin Ketabchi

Defensins are small cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also referred to as host defense peptides, that are part of innate immune responses in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Defensins are expressed by host organisms in response to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial intrusions. In prior studies, the Defensin of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, was tested for its effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria of human skin microflora. In our study, we tested the expression level of the bed bug Defensin with bed bugs that were immune-challenged with Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, or both. Moreover, we determined the peak Defensin expression level following immune challenges. Studying how AMPs, such as the Defensin, function in invertebrates such as bed bugs will help understand immune pathways and the first line of defense invertebrates. The acquired knowledge will then inform the development of AMPs as potential therapeutics against drug-resistant bacteria.