Function of Litopenaeus vannamei RPL4A-L and RPS16 in WSSV infection

Ribosome, as basic components of the protein synthesis machinery, plays an important role in normal cellular physiology, cellular responses and pathogenesis. Ribosome consists of a large subunit (60S) and a small subunit (40S). In Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei), the function of the 60S ribosome protein L4A-Like (LvRPL4A-L) and the 40S ribosome protein S16 (LvRPS16) in white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection was unclear. In the present study, the tissue distribution assay showed that LvRPL4-L and LvRPS16 were expressed in all selected tissues. The expressions of LvRPL4-L and LvRPS16 at the mRNA level were mainly distributed in the muscle, stomach, and hepatopancreas. Besides, the relative expressions of LvRPL4-L and LvRPS16 were up-regulated in the hepatopancreas and stomach of WSSV-challenged shrimp. In addition, after LvRPL4-L or LvRPS16 silencing and WSSV infection, the relative expressions of immediate early gene IE1 and late gene VP28 were significantly up-regulated. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, the viral copy number and cumulative mortality rate of the LvRPL4-L- or LvRPS16-silenced group were also significantly increased. We, for the first time, reported the function of LvRPL4-L and LvRPS16 in the antiviral immune response of L. vannamei.

Automated summary

Ribosomes are crucial in the antiviral immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei, with LvRPL4-L and LvRPS16 showing increased expression after WSSV infection. Silencing of LvRPL4-L or LvRPS16 led to significantly higher viral copy numbers and mortality rates. This study provides insight into the role of LvRPL4-L and LvRPS16 in the immune response of L. vannamei against WSSV.