A novel lectin with a fibrinogen-like domain and its potential involvement in the innate immune response of Armigeres subalbatus against bacteria

Mosquitoes have an efficient cellular innate immune response that includes phagocytosis of microbial pathogens and encapsulation of metozoan parasites. In this study, we describe a novel lectin in the mosquito, Armigeres subalbatus (aslectin or AL-1). The 1.27 kb cDNA clone for the AL-1 gene (AL-1) encodes a 279 deduced amino acid sequence that contains a C-terminal fibrinogen-like domain. AL-1 is transcribed in all life stages. AL-1 mainly exists in the haemolymph of adult female mosquitoes, and is upregulated following both Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus challenge. AL-1 specifically recognizes N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and is able to bind both E. coli and M. luteus. These results suggest that AL-1 might function as a pattern recognition receptor in the immune response in Ar. subalbatus.