Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 302-314 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 302 Research Insight Open Access Innate Immune Response and Pathogen Defense Mechanisms in Earwigs: A Comprehensive Molecular Biology Analysis Jun Xu, Qibin Xu Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: qibin.xu@cuixi.org Bioscience Methods, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0030 Received: 20 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 31 Oct., 2024 Published: 21 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Xu and Xu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Xu J., and Xu Q.B., 2024, Innate immune response and pathogen defense mechanisms in earwigs: a comprehensive molecular biology analysis, Bioscience Methods, 15(6): 302-314 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0030) Abstract Earwigs have emerged as valuable model organisms for studying innate immunity in invertebrates, providing insights into the complex defense mechanisms against pathogens. This study focuses on the immune components of earwigs, including immune cells, organs, and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which play a critical role in pathogen detection and immune activation; identifies and characterized antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in earwigs, exploring their mechanisms of action against bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. Additionally, the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway was examined for its role in viral suppression, highlighting its molecular regulation in earwig immunity. Comparative analysis of immune responses across various pathogens—bacteria, fungi, and viruses—was conducted to reveal unique immune features and evolutionary adaptations in earwigs. A case study of Forficula auricularia under pathogen stress provided further molecular insights into immune-related gene expression. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of invertebrate immunity, with potential applications in developing biopesticides and enhancing pest management strategies. This study underscores the significance of earwig immune studies for evolutionary biology and disease control. Keywords Earwig immunity; Antimicrobial peptides; RNA interference; Pathogen defense; Immune regulation 1 Introduction Earwigs, belonging to the order Dermaptera, are a fascinating group of insects known for their distinctive forceps-like appendages and complex social behaviors, including maternal care (Liu et al., 2022; Meunier, 2023). Despite their relatively small order size, earwigs exhibit a wide range of biological characteristics that make them an intriguing subject for scientific study. Recent advances in molecular tools and imaging techniques have highlighted earwigs as a valuable model for understanding various biological processes, including development and reproduction (Núñez-Pascual et al., 2022). The genetic diversity and evolutionary history of earwigs have been explored through phylogenetic and mitogenomic studies, revealing significant insights into their molecular characteristics and evolutionary relationships (Naegle et al., 2016; Wipfler et al., 2020). These attributes, combined with their ecological roles and behaviors, position earwigs as a promising model organism for studying innate immunity. Innate immunity represents the first line of defense against pathogens in all animals, including invertebrates. Unlike vertebrates, invertebrates lack an adaptive immune system and rely solely on innate immune mechanisms to combat infections (Kangale et al., 2021). This type of immunity involves a range of physical barriers, cellular responses, and humoral factors that work together to recognize and eliminate pathogens (Romo et al., 2016; Yu et al., 2022). Studying innate immunity in invertebrates not only provides insights into the fundamental aspects of immune responses but also helps to understand the evolutionary origins of immune mechanisms that are conserved across different species (Guryanova and Ovchinnikova, 2022b). Invertebrates, such as earwigs, offer a unique perspective on innate immunity due to their diverse ecological niches and evolutionary adaptations. This study conducts a comprehensive molecular biology analysis of the innate immune response and pathogen defense mechanisms in earwigs. By focusing on earwigs, this study elucidates the genetic and molecular basis of their immune responses, identifies key signaling pathways and immune-related genes, and understand how these mechanisms contribute to their ability to resist infections. This study will not only enhance our knowledge of
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