The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor-like protein from Marsupenaeus japonicus is a receptor for white spot syndrome virus infection.

Viral entry into the host cell is the first step towards successful infection. Viral entry starts with virion attachment, and binding to receptors. Receptor binding viruses either directly release their genome into the cell, or enter cells through endocytosis. For DNA viruses and a few RNA viruses, the endocytosed viruses will transport from cytoplasm into the nucleus followed by gene expression. Receptors on the cell membrane play a crucial role in viral infection. Although several attachment factors, or candidate receptors, for the infection of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) were identified in shrimp, the authentic entry receptors for WSSV infection and the intracellular signaling triggering by interaction of WSSV with receptors remain unclear. In the present study, a receptor for WSSV infection in kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus, was identified. It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) with a transmembrane region, and is similar to the vertebrate polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR); therefore, it was designated as a pIgR-like protein (MjpIgR for short). MjpIgR was detected in all tissues tested, and its expression was significantly induced by WSSV infection at the mRNA and protein levels. Knockdown of MjpIgR, and blocking MjpIgR with its antibody inhibited WSSV infection in shrimp and overexpression of MjpIgR facilitated the invasion of WSSV. Further analyses indicated that MjpIgR could independently render non-permissive cells susceptible to WSSV infection. The extracellular domain of MjpIgR interacts with envelope protein VP24 of WSSV and the intracellular domain interacts with calmodulin (MjCaM). MjpIgR was oligomerized and internalized following WSSV infection and the internalization was associated with endocytosis of WSSV. The viral internalization facilitating ability of MjpIgR could be blocked using chlorpromazine, an inhibitor of clathrin dependent endocytosis. Knockdown of Mjclathrin and its adaptor protein AP-2 also inhibited WSSV internalization. All the results indicated that MjpIgR-mediated WSSV endocytosis was clathrin dependent. The results suggested that MjpIgR is a WSSV receptor, and that WSSV enters shrimp cells via the pIgR-CaM-Clathrin endocytosis pathway.

Introduction

Viral infection process is a very complex interaction and consists of multiple steps [1]. It starts with virion attachment to the host cell membrane, followed by specific binding to receptors. Viral receptor engagement allows viruses either to release their genome into the cell directly at the plasma membrane, or to enter cells through endocytosis. Endocytosis is highly complex and dynamic, and involves recycling, trafficking, maturation and fusion of endocytic vesicles [2]. For DNA viruses and a few RNA viruses, the endocytosed viruses will traffic from cytoplasm into the nucleus for gene expression [1,3]. To enter the cytoplasm of host cells, viruses can adopt two main strategies, receptor-mediated endocytosis and endocytosis-independent receptor-mediated entry [4]. Viruses can use specific cell membrane receptors to enter and infect host cells, which determines the host specificity, tissue tropism and cell type a virus can infect [5,6]. Several classes of molecules are utilized as receptors by different viruses, such as sialic acid moieties, integrins, and some immunoglobulin-like superfamily (IgSF) proteins in vertebrates [7]. Some viruses use various types of receptors to attach to and enter into cells. For example, the receptors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection include heparin sulfate [8], low-density lipoprotein receptor [9], transferrin receptor 1 [10], B type scavenger receptor [11] and occludin [12] in mammals.

Cell-adhesion molecules can be divided into four protein families: Integrins, selectins, IgSF, and cadherins [13]. They are usually expressed on the cell surface and have diverse functions. Among them, the IgSF is a large protein superfamily of cell surface and soluble proteins that are involved in recognition, binding, adhesion, and immunity [14]. IgSF members have diverged in sequence and function; however, the definitive characteristic of the members is the presence of one or more immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains [15]. The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor identified in vertebrates is a member of the IgSF. As a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is widely expressed in epithelial cells [16]. The pIgR protein in different species shares four similar components: An intracellular region, a transmembrane region, a cleavage region, and an extracellular ligand-binding region (secretory component, SC) [17]. The Ig domains are located in the extracellular region; therefore, the N-terminal ligand-binding domain plays central roles in binding polymeric immunoglobulins (pIg). PIgR acts as the receptor for pIg and transports pIgA/pIgM across intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in vertebrates [18,19]. In addition, pIgR and SC-mediated protection prevent the invasion of pathogenic microorganism at mucosal surfaces [20,21]. Interestingly, some studies on pIgR have found that certain microorganisms, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, hijack pIgR to their own benefit during the invasion of host cells [22,23,24].

Diverse groups of viruses bind to IgSF proteins at the cell surface to mediate cell entry [7]. For example, the cell surface CD4 glycoprotein carries four functional domains, and three of them resemble Ig variable regions, CD4 was confirmed as an important receptor of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) [25]. It is now known that entry of HIV-1 into lymphoid cells requires the cooperation of three host-cell proteins, the primary receptor CD4, a chemokine co-receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) and an oxidoreductase protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and the viral envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41 [26,27,28,29]. Viral gp120 attaches the virus to the cell by binding to host CD4. It was found that CD4 also has a binding site for PDI and forms a PDI-CD4-gp120 complex [27]. Another example is where the Adeno-associated virus receptor (AAVR) serves as an important receptor for the invasion of Adeno-associated virus (AAV). AAVR with five Ig-like domains, also known as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) domains, was captured by AAV during breaking of the defensive system of different cell lines [30].

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is one of the most virulent pathogens in shrimp farming [31]. Studies on viral candidate receptors involved in WSSV infection can provide useful information for viral disease control. There were several reports about WSSV attachment proteins or candidate receptors in shrimp, such as Penaeus monodon Rab7 binding to WSSV envelope protein VP28, which is beneficial for WSSV infection [32], and a chitin-binding protein (CBP) in P. monodon interacts with 11 WSSV envelope proteins, which can reduce and delay mortality upon WSSV challenge in the neutralization assay [33,34]. Beta-integrin interacts with VP187, which can mediate WSSV infection [35]. Glucose transporter 1 interacts with VP53A, which is related with entry of WSSV into host cells [36]. Laminin binding to VP31 mediates WSSV infection [37] and a soluble C-type lectin (MjsvCL) interacts with VP28 and calreticulin, which facilitates WSSV infection in shrimp [38]. Other studies found that some proteins interact with WSSV proteins to resist WSSV infection. F1-ATP synthase beta subunit of Litopenaeus vannamei binds to WSSV and attenuates WSSV infection [39]. Scavenger receptor C of Marsupenaeus japonicus interacts with VP19 of WSSV and β-arrestin mediates clathrin dependent endocytosis of WSSV, which can restrict virus proliferation [40]. These reports advanced our understanding of WSSV entry receptors.

Viral receptors play important roles in the initial step of viral infection, and are ideal targets for antiviral intervention. Usually, interactions of virus with the receptors can elicit two types of signaling, viral particle conformational changes, and intracellular signals triggering specific cellular responses. In many cases, virus can usurp the signaling systems of host cells to create a favorable environment for their own amplification [41]. Among the reported WSSV candidate receptors that are beneficial for WSSV infection, only the β-integrin is an authentic transmembrane protein; therefore, further study of WSSV entry receptors is required. On the other hand, the signaling induced by WSSV interactions with receptors remains unknown. In the present study, we identified an IgSF cell adhesion molecule that was similar to poly immunoglobin receptor (pIgR) of vertebrates from Marsupenaeus japonicus, and designed it as Marsupenaeus japonicus pIgR like protein (MjpIgR). MjpIgR is a type I transmembrane protein, and was significantly upregulated in shrimp challenged with WSSV. Knockdown of MjpIgR in shrimp decreased the numbers of WSSV. Meanwhile, overexpression of MjpIgR increased WSSV infection. The intracellular signaling triggering by interaction of WSSV with MjpIgR was investigated. MjpIgR interacted with MjCaM and the viral internalization was clathrin dependent. Our studies revealed that pIgR is a receptor for the invasion of WSSV into shrimp.

Results

MjpIgR was upregulated in shrimp challenged by WSSV

In our transcriptome sequence analysis, we found a pIgR-like molecule that was upregulated by 4 to 6 folds in shrimp challenged with WSSV. Therefore, we chose this molecule for further study. The full-length MjpIgR cDNA is 1686 bp and encodes a protein of 562 amino acid residues (GenBank Accession no. MH051890). MjpIgR contains a signal peptide; an extracellular domain, including an IG domain and two IG-like domains; a transmembrane region; and an intracellular region (S1 and S2 Figs). MjpIgR is clustered with the vertebrate pIgR group (S3 Fig).

MjpIgR mRNA is expressed in hemocytes and in all other tested organs including heart, hepatopancreas, gills, stomach, and intestine analyzed by RT-PCR (Fig 1A). The specificity of the MjpIgR ORF primers was confirmed by using other samples from Litopenaeus vannamei and Procambarus clakii, which shows no any band by PCR amplification (S4 Fig). The extracellular SC of MjpIgR protein was recombinantly expressed in E. coli (Fig 1B) and anti-MjpIgR polyclonal antibodies were prepared (Fig 1C). The MjpIgR protein was also widely distributed in hemocytes and other organs, as revealed via western blotting analysis (Fig 1D). All the results indicated that MjpIgR is ubiquitously expressed in the shrimp.

Fig 1

MjpIgR was upregulated in shrimp after WSSV challenge.

A, The tissue distribution of MjpIgR in shrimp at the mRNA level. B, Recombinant expression and purification of the extracellular region of MjpIgR in E. coli. Lane 1, total proteins from E. coli with MjpIgR-pGEX4T-1, without IPTG induction; lane 2, total proteins from the E. coli with IPTG induction; lane 3, purified recombinant MjpIgR; lane M, protein molecular mass marker. C, MjpIgR in normal hemocytes of shrimp was detected using western blotting with MjpIgR polyclonal antibodies. Lane M, protein marker; lane 1, MjpIgR in hemocytes detected using the MjpIgR polyclonal antibodies. D, The tissue distribution of MjpIgR in different tissues was investigated using western blotting. E-F, Expression patterns of MjpIgR in hemocytes (E) and intestine (F), as detected using qPCR. The data were analyzed statistically using Student’s t test. G-H, MjpIgR expression patterns at the protein level in hemocytes (G) and intestine (H) of shrimp after WSSV challenge, as analyzed using western blotting. The lower panels of (G) and (H) show statistical analysis for three replicates. The results are expressed as the mean ± SD. *, p< 0.05; **, p < 0.01.

We performed a time course expression analysis of MjpIgR transcription and translation in hemocytes and intestine. The qPCR results showed that MjpIgR transcription was upregulated from 6 to 24 h in hemocytes and intestine of shrimp after WSSV challenge (Fig 1E and 1F). The MjpIgR protein level was also upregulated similarly to mRNA level (Fig 1G and 1H). These results suggested that MjpIgR is involved in WSSV infection and its increased expression prompted us to explore the detailed functions of MjpIgR in shrimp immunity.

MjpIgR promoted the infection of WSSV

To explore the MjpIgR functions in WSSV infection, RNA interference, antibody blocking assays, and mRNA overexpression of MjpIgR were performed. WSSV proliferation in shrimp was analyzed via qPCR (by testing vp28 expression level and WSSV copies) and western blotting (using VP24 or VP26 as indicators). The dsRNA and mRNA of MjpIgR were generated (Fig 2A). Twenty-four hours after the injection of dsMjpIgR in shrimp, MjpIgR was observed to be knocked down at the mRNA and protein levels (Fig 2B and 2C). The shrimp was then injected with WSSV. The WSSV levels in hemocytes and intestine of the dsMjpIgR-injection group were significantly reduced compared with those injected with dsGFP at 24 h post injection (Fig 2D). Meanwhile, the number of copies of WSSV decreased significantly in the intestine of MjpIgR-knockdown shrimp (Fig 2E). The WSSV protein level detected by anti-VP24 antibodies also decreased in hemocytes and intestine in the dsMjpIgR injection group compared with that in the control group (Fig 2F). The survival rate of shrimp was also analyzed after RNAi of MjpIgR in shrimp followed WSSV injection. The results showed that the dsMjpIgR injection group had a much higher survival rate compared with that of the dsGFP group (Fig 2G). In addition, the antibody blocking assay showed vp28 expression was decreased in the anti-MjpIgR injected shrimp, and suggested that the anti-MjpIgR antibodies blocked the binding site on the membrane in hemocytes and intestine (Fig 2H). Taken together, these results suggested that MjpIgR promoted WSSV proliferation in shrimp.

Fig 2

MjpIgR promotes WSSV proliferation in shrimp.

A, Agarose gel electrophoresis of MjpIgR cDNA, dsMjpIgR RNA, MjpIgR mRNA, and control groups (dsGFP RNA and Trx-His tag mRNA). B-C, Efficiency of MjpIgR-RNAi in hemocytes and intestine, as determined using qPCR (B) and western blotting analysis (C). D, The expression of WSSV VP28 in MjpIgR knockdown shrimp infected with WSSV was detected using qPCR. E, The number of copies of WSSV in MjpIgR-knockdown shrimp and dsGFP-injection shrimp was analyzed using qPCR on Genomic DNA from the intestine. F, The translation level of WSSV envelope protein VP24 was detected using western blotting. G, The survival rate of shrimp. Shrimp were divided into dsGFP and dsMjpIgR groups. After RNAi for 24 h, the two groups were infected with WSSV for an additional 24 h. Dead shrimp were then monitored every half-day and the survival rate was calculated as the live shrimp/total shrimp ratio. Significant differences between the two groups are marked with the P value. Significant differences were analyzed statistically using the GraphPad Prism 5.0 software. H, Purified rabbit pre-serum and purified anti-MjpIgR antibodies were injected into shrimp and then WSSV infection was performed. The vp28 expression levels were detected in hemocytes and intestine using qPCR. I, The efficiency of MjpIgR overexpression levels in hemocytes and intestine, as determined by western blotting. J, Vp28 expression was detected in shrimp after MjpIgR overexpression using qPCR. K, WSSV copies in the intestine were analyzed using qPCR. L, WSSV envelope protein VP26 was determined by western blotting. *, p < 0.05; **, p < 0.01.

To further explore its function, overexpression of MjpIgR was performed by MjpIgR mRNA injection using Trx-His tag mRNA as a control. The MjpIgR protein was successfully expressed in hemocytes and intestine of the MjpIgR-overexpression group at 24 h post-mRNA injection (Fig 2I). The shrimp were then challenged with WSSV. WSSV proliferation in the MjpIgR-overexpression group increased dramatically compared with that in the Trx-His tag mRNA groups (Fig 2J). Similar results were obtained in the intestine by testing the number of WSSV copies (Fig 2K). The protein levels of WSSV, as detected by the anti-VP26 antibody, were increased in hemocytes and intestine (Fig 2L). In general, these data indicated that MjpIgR promoted the proliferation of WSSV in shrimp.

MjpIgR oligomerizes to a tetramer and is internalized into the cytoplasm of hemocytes after WSSV infection

To analyze the possible mechanism of MjpIgR in WSSV proliferation, MjpIgR oligomerization and internalization were detected. The oligomerization of recombinant MjpIgR (rMjpIgR) was first analyzed using native PAGE, and the result showed that rMjpIgR formed different oligomers in vitro (Fig 3A). Further studies showed that the native MjpIgR formed a tetramer, determined by the molecular mass after WSSV challenge in vivo (Fig 3B). We performed immunocytochemistry to detect the subcellular localization of MjpIgR using anti-MjpIgR antibodies. Under normal conditions, MjpIgR was mainly located on the cell membrane (Fig 3C top panels). After WSSV challenge, MjpIgR gradually moved from surface to the cytoplasm as challenge time increased from 15 to 60 min (Fig 3C). These results suggested that the internalization of MjpIgR might be associated with WSSV endocytosis. We further analyzed MjpIgR in the membrane and cytoplasm of hemocytes using western blot. The results showed that the MjpIgR level in membrane of hemocytes decreased slightly with increasing WSSV challenge time; however, its levels showed no significant differences between time points (Fig 3D left panels). The MjpIgR level increased significantly in the cytoplasm of hemocytes after WSSV infection (Fig 3D right panels). These results suggested that the MjpIgR was internalized from the membrane into the cytoplasm and this internalization might be related to WSSV endocytosis.

Fig 3

MjpIgR oligomerized to tetramers and internalized into the cytoplasm of hemocytes in shrimp after WSSV infection.

A, Native PAGE of rMjpIgR. Purified rMjpIgR was analyzed using native PAGE and stained with Coomassie blue. B, A tetramer of MjpIgR was detected in vivo using western blotting after treatment of hemocytes with a crosslinker (BS3). Shrimp were injected with WSSV, after 30 min, the hemocytes were collected and treated with BS3. These hemocytes were homogenized and the extracted proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE. Western blotting was then performed using anti-MjpIgR antibodies. C, MjpIgR in hemocytes of shrimp was detected at 0 (untreated), 15, 30, and 60 min post WSSV injection. Scale bar = 20μm. D, Shrimp were challenged with WSSV and then membrane and cytoplasm proteins of the hemocytes were extracted. MjpIgR in the membrane and cytoplasm of hemocytes was analyzed using western blotting at 0, 15, 30, and 60 min post-WSSV injection. The lower panels show the statistical analysis from three independent experiments. **, p < 0.01.

MjpIgR co-localized with WSSV in hemocytes

To determine whether the internalization of MjpIgR is required for endocytosis of WSSV, an immunocytochemical assay was performed to detect the co-localization of MjpIgR with WSSV. The co-localization of MjpIgR with Dil-labeled WSSV was observed at 15 min post WSSV injection (Fig 4A) and the co-localization rate increased from 15 to 60 min, and the WSSV moved to perinuclear location at 60 min (Fig 4B). The results suggested that MjpIgR might be a receptor for WSSV that is involved in endocytosis of WSSV in shrimp. To further confirm the results, flow cytometry was performed after RNA interference of MjpIgR. The results showed that the internalization rate of WSSV particles decreased in hemocytes after RNAi of MjpIgR (Fig 4C and 4D). These results suggested that endocytosis of WSSV required the internalization of MjpIgR in shrimp hemocytes and that MjpIgR might be a receptor for WSSV.

Fig 4

MjpIgR co-localized with labeled WSSV.

A, Immunocytochemistry was used to detect the co-localization of MjpIgR and Dil-labeled WSSV virions in hemocytes. The hemocytes were collected at different time points (15, 30, and 60 min) post-WSSV injection. Scale bar = 20 μm. B, Statistical analysis of MjpIgR-WSSV co-localized cells compared with total cells. C, Intact hemocytes (R2) were separated from incomplete fragments (R1) using flow cytometry. D, Flow cytometry was performed after RNAi of MjpIgR to test the internalization rate of hemocytes. *, p < 0.05.

MjpIgR can independently render non-permissive cells (HEK 293T) susceptible to WSSV infection

To address whether MjpIgR could independently facilitate WSSV entry, we assessed the level of WSSV entry in human HEK 293T cells upon MjpIgR overexpression. The plasmids pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR and pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR-ΔIG1 were constructed to express MjpIgR and pIgR-ΔIG1 (containing a truncating mutation of pIgR) in the non-permissive cells (human HEK 293T cells) (Fig 5A). Then HEK 293T cells were transfected with empty vector, pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR or pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR-ΔIG1, respectively. The cells were infected with WSSV for 1 hour or remained uninfected. After WSSV infection, the DNA of the cells was isolated and subjected to qPCR assay to detect the WSSV DNA. The expression of pIgR and pIgR-ΔIG1 were detected by western blot assays after transfection. The results showed that the pIgR and pIgR-ΔIG1 were successfully expressed on the cells (Fig 5B). The viral DNA could be detected in the pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR transfected HEK 293T upon MjpIgR overexpression, but not in pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR-ΔIG1 transfected HEK 293T and empty vector transfected cells (Fig 5C). The results suggest that MjpIgR serves as a receptor for WSSV entry and render the non-permissive cells (HEK 293T) susceptible to WSSV infection.

Fig 5

MjpIgR is sufficient for gaining entry into non-permissive cells (HEK 293T) transfected with MjpIgR expression plasmid.

(A) pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR map. (B) Western blot to analyze MjpIgR expression in HEK 293T cells. Lane 1, Uninfected HEK 293T cells; lane 2, HEK 293T cells transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR plasmids uninfected with WSSV; lane 3, HEK 293T cells transfected by pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR-ΔIG1 plasmids uninfected with WSSV; line 4, empty vector infected with WSSV, lane 5. HEK 293T cells transfected by pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR plasmids with WSSV infection; lane 6, HEK 293T cells transfected by pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR-ΔIG1 plasmids with WSSV infection. (C) qPCR analysis of WSSV DNA in WSSV-infected HEK 293T Cells transfected with Empty Vector or pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR/ΔIG1 expression plasmid. The qPCR results presented relative to Genomic DNA. ND: Not Detected; UI: Uninfected; EV: Empty Vector; pIgR: pIgR ORF fusion to human pcDNA3.1(-); pIgR-ΔIG1: the truncated IG1 domain of pIgR fusion to human pcDNA3.1(-).

MjpIgR-SC binds to VP24 of WSSV

To confirm whether MjpIgR is the entry receptor for WSSV, a binding assay was performed. We first recombinantly expressed the extracellular domains of MjpIgR (MjpIgR-SC) and then detected the interaction of MjpIgR-SC with the envelope proteins of WSSV using in vitro GST- and His-pulldown assays. VP19, VP24, VP26, and VP28 of WSSV were used for the analysis. The results showed that MjpIgR-SC interacted with VP24 (Fig 6A), but had no interaction with VP19, VP26, or VP28 (Fig 6B, 6C and 6D). To identify which of the extracellular Ig domains of MjpIgR plays a central role in the interaction, the three Ig domains were recombinantly expressed and purified from E. coli, separately (Fig 6E). The binding ability of MjpIgR-IG1, MjpIgR-IG2, and MjpIgR-IG3 to WSSV particles was analyzed using an ELISA binding assay. The results showed that all the three Ig domains bound to WSSV (Fig 6F). We further analyzed the interaction of different Ig domains with VP24 using pulldown assays and results indicated that all three Ig domains could interact with VP24 (Fig 6G, 6H and 6I). However, the truncating mutation of Ig domain could not interact with VP24 (Fig 6J). Taken together, the above results suggested that MjpIgR could interact with WSSV through VP24 as a cellular receptor of WSSV.

Fig 6

MjpIgR binds to WSSV via its IG-like domains.

A, The interaction of MjpIgR-SC with VP24 was analyzed using GST- and His-Pulldown assays. B, The interaction of MjpIgR-SC with VP19 was detected by GST- and His-Pulldown assays. C, GST- and His-Pulldown to analyze interactions of MjpIgR-SC with His-VP26. D, GST- and His-Pulldown to detect interactions of MjpIgR-SC with VP28. E, Recombinant expression and purification of IG1, IG2, and IG3 from MjpIgR. Constructs pGEX4T-1-MjpIgR-IG1, 2, or 3 were transformed into E. coli, and the expression of IG1-3 was induced by IPTG and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Lanes 1, 4, and 7, total proteins from E. coli with pGEX4T-1-MjpIgR-IG1, IG2, and IG3 without IPTG induction; lanes 2, 5, and 8, total proteins from the E. coli with IPTG induction; lanes 3, 6, and 9, purified recombinant MjpIgR-IG1, -IG2, and IG3 proteins; lane M, protein molecular mass standard. F, ELISA assay to detect the binding of MjpIgR to WSSV. (G-I) Each of the IG domains (IG1–3) was used in a pulldown assay, including GST pulldown (left panel) and His pulldown (right panel) to detect the interaction of the IG domains with VP24. J, Truncating mutation of IG1 domain of MjpIgR and its interaction with VP24 of WSSV analyzed by GST and His pulldown assays.

Calmodulin interacts with MjpIgR-In and is involved in endocytosis

The intracellular domain of human pIgR could interact with calmodulin, and calmodulin could interact with the clathrin heavy chain [17,42,43]. A calmodulin cDNA was cloned from M. japonicus, and named as MjCalmodulin, (MjCaM, GenBank Accession no. MH238441). MjCaM mRNA was distributed in all tissues tested (Fig 7A) and was upregulated by WSSV infection in hemocytes and intestine (Fig 7B and 7C). RNA interference was performed (Fig 7D) to explore the roles of MjCaM in shrimp infected by WSSV. The vp28 expression levels in hemocytes and intestine decreased in the dsMjCaM-injection group compared with that in the dsGFP-injection group (Fig 7E). The shrimp in the dsMjCaM group had a relatively higher survival rate compared with that of the controls (Fig 7F). The results indicated that MjCaM promotes WSSV infection. To analyze the possible interaction of MjpIgR with MjCaM, the intracellular domain of MjpIgR (MjpIgR-In) and MjCaM were expressed in E. coli (Fig 7G and 7H). The interaction between MjpIgR-In and MjCaM was analyzed using pull-down assays (Fig 7I). We found that MjCaM could bind to MjpIgR-In in vitro. A calmodulin antagonist, W-13, was also used for MjCaM functional analysis in WSSV-infected shrimp. The results showed that in hemocytes and intestine, the vp28 levels decreased in W-13 injected shrimp in concentration dependent manner (Fig 7J and 7K). The results suggested that MjCaM facilitated WSSV proliferation and might be involved in the regulation of MjpIgR internalization via their interaction.

Fig 7

Calmodulin interacts with MjpIgR-In and is involved in WSSV endocytosis.

A, The tissue distribution of MjCaM mRNA. B, C, Expression levels of MjCaM in hemocytes and intestine, as detected by qPCR after WSSV infection. D, Efficiency of RNA interference of MjCaM in hemocytes and intestine. E, The vp28 expression levels in dsGFP and dsMjCaM groups after WSSV challenge. F, Survival rates after WSSV infection in different interference groups. Significant differences were analyzed using the software GraphPad Prism 5.0. G, H, MjpIgR-In and MjCaM expression and purification from E. coli. Lane 1, total proteins from E. coli with pET32a-MjpIgR-In or pGEX4T-1-MjCaM without IPTG induction; lane 2, total proteins from the E. coli with IPTG induction; lane 3, purified recombinant MjpIgR-In or MjCaM protein. I, Interactions between His-tagged MjpIgR-In and GST-tagged MjCaM were detected using pull-down assays. J, K, Expression level of vp28 in hemocytes and intestine treated with different concentrations of W-13. *, p < 0.05; **, p < 0.01; ***, p < 0.001.

MjpIgR-mediated WSSV endocytosis is clathrin-dependent

Viruses can hijack different cellular endocytic pathways for their internalization; among which, clathrin-mediated endocytosis is commonly used. Previously, we identified clathrin in the shrimp [40]. To determine whether the MjpIgR-Calmodulin-mediated endocytosis of WSSV was clathrin-dependent, the dose-dependent blocking effect of virus infection by chlorpromazine (CPZ) was first determined. The results showed that CPZ caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the vp28 expression level (Fig 8A and 8B). After RNAi of Mjclathrin (Fig 8C), the vp28 expression level also declined significantly (Fig 8D). To confirm whether clathrin-mediated endocytosis was associated with MjpIgR, the mRNA of MjpIgR was overexpressed, and then CPZ was injected into the overexpression group after WSSV infection, and vp28 expression was detected. The results showed that the ability of MjpIgR to promote vp28 expression was blocked by CPZ injection (Fig 8E). The number of WSSV copies in the intestine also decreased compared with that in the control group (Fig 8F). The same results were obtained using western blotting analysis of WSSV VP26 levels (Fig 8G). To further confirm that the endocytosis of WSSV via MjpIgR was clathrin-dependent, the co-localization between clathrin and WSSV particles was detected. In the dsMjpIgR group, co-localization of clathrin and WSSV was reduced (Fig 8H and 8I). Taken together, the results suggested that WSSV enters shrimp cells via pIgR-CaM-clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Fig 8

WSSV enters hemocytes via pIgR-CaM-clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

A, B, CPZ, an inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, was injected into shrimp, and the quantity of WSSV was detected using qPCR with vp28 as an indicator. C, Efficiency of Mjclathrin-RNAi in hemocytes and intestine was determined using qPCR. D, The expression of WSSV vp28 in Mjclathrin-knockdown shrimp infected with WSSV was detected via qPCR. E, The WSSV vp28 expression level in MjpIgR overexpression groups treated with H2O and CPZ. F, WSSV copies in the intestine of the H2O-injection group and CPZ-injection group. G, WSSV replication was detected by western blotting in CPZ-treated groups and controls. H, Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect the co-localization of WSSV and clathrin. Scale bar = 20μm. I, Statistical analysis of co-localization in the dsGFP and dsMjpIgR groups. For each group, three hundred hemocytes were counted under fluorescence microscopy and cells showing co-localization were recorded. *, p < 0.05; **, p < 0.01; ***, p < 0.001.

Adaptor protein complex AP-2 associated with the endocytosis

Clathrin-based endocytic pathways involve a variety of adaptor proteins. The adaptor protein complex AP-2 has been considered one of the core components of the clathrin-based endocytic machinery [44,45,46]. We also identified complex AP-2 in shrimp, including AP-2α, β, μ and σ in the shrimp. To confirm above result about WSSV entering shrimp cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, the AP-2α was knockdown by RNAi (Fig 9A), and WSSV replication and colocalization of MjpIgR with WSSV were detected. The results showed that the WSSV replication declined (Fig 9B) and the colocalization decreased (Fig 9C and 9D) upon down regulation of endocytic pathway, suggesting that pIgR-CaM-clathrin-mediated endocytosis associated with the classical adaptor protein complex AP-2 in shrimp.

Fig 9

Adaptor protein complex AP-2 associated with the clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

A, Efficiency of AP-2 RNAi in hemocytes and intestine. B, vp28 expression levels in hemocytes and intestine of AP-2-knockdown shrimp. C. Co-localization of MjpIgR and Dil-labeled WSSV virions in hemocytes of AP-2-knockdown shrimp after WSSV infection for 1 h. Scale bar = 20 μm. D, Statistical analysis of MjpIgR-WSSV co-localized cells compared to the control.

Discussion

In the present study, we identified a key receptor, MjpIgR, for WSSV entry and infection. The extracellular domain of MjpIgR could interact with WSSV envelope protein VP24 and intercellular domain interacted with MjCaM. MjCaM recruited Mjclathrin, and AP-2 adaptor complex also associated with the viral entry. Therefore, WSSV entered host cells via the pIgR-CaM-clathrin endocytotic pathway.

The MjpIgR sequence obtained from M. japonicus possesses three immunoglobulin domains and is a member of the IgSF. As cell adhesion molecules, IgSF is a large protein superfamily of cell surface or soluble proteins that are involved in the recognition, binding, or adhesion processes of cells [47]. By BLAST analysis, the IgSF member from M. japonicus was observed to be similar with fasciclin molecules, especially fasciclin III. However, by domain architecture comparison (S1 Fig), we found that Fasciclin I contains Fas 1 (Fasciclin-like) domains, Fasciclin II has Ig and FN3 (Fibronectin type 3) domains, and Fasciclin III possesses Ig or Ig-like domains, in addition to a transmembrane motif. Compared with polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) (S2 Fig), the domain architecture of the IgSF member from M. japonicus is quite similar to vertebrate pIgRs. The phylogenetic analysis also showed the similarity of the IgSF member from M. japonicus with pIgR from vertebrates (S3 Fig). Therefore, we designated the IgSF from kuruma shrimp as a pIgR-like protein (MjpIgR). In the present study, as a receptor for WSSV, MjpIgR carrying WSSV particles enters hemocytes and induces a systemic infection in shrimp.

Most of the IgSF members, including pIgR, are type I transmembrane proteins, which comprise an extracellular domain (containing one or more Ig-like domains), a single transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic region [48]. These IgSF proteins can mediate adhesion through their N-terminal Ig-like domains, which usually bind other Ig-like domains of the same structure on the cell surface, or interact with other molecules, such as integrins and carbohydrates [49]. This suggested that the IgSF molecules could form homopolymers. In our study, we found that MjpIgR formed tetramer in vivo and interacts with VP24 of WSSV.

Several classes of molecules are exploited as receptors by diverse groups of viruses, including sialic acid moieties [50] and integrins [51,52]. In particular, many IgSF proteins, such as pIgRs, have been identified as viral receptors [7,53], such as the HIV receptor (T-cell surface glycoprotein CD4) [25], main rhinovirus receptors (intracellular adhesion molecule-1), and poliovirus receptor and adeno-associated virus receptors [30]. In our study, we found that MjpIgR interacted with VP24 of WSSV, and was used by WSSV as a receptor for its entry into cells.

As one of the key processes of infection, DNA virus entry into host cells requires distinct cellular processes, including attachment to receptors; signaling; movement of the virus on the cell surface; endocytic uptake and trafficking; and uncoating of the genome, followed by replication, and, finally, particle assembly and release [54]. Usually, virus entry starts with binding to attachment factors, followed by association with receptors. The attachment factors merely bind the viruses and thus help to concentrate the viruses on the cell surface. The virus receptors can trigger changes in the virus, induce cellular signaling, promote endocytosis, and accompany the virus into the cell. However, the differentiation of attachment factors and receptors is often difficult in practice because both of them contribute to effective infection. Many viruses have evolved multi-step attachment processes, and a requirement for more than one receptor molecule is not uncommon. An extreme example is hepatitis C virus (HCV), which requires more than ten molecules for cell entry [7]. For WSSV infection, Verbruggen et al. (2016) summarized the possible receptors or receptor complexes for WSSV, which include Chitin-binding protein, glucose transporter 1, integrin, calreticulin, and C-type lectins (such as MjscCL, MjLecA-C) [55]. However, among the reported WSSV receptors, few molecules are genuine transmembrane proteins. We inferred that certain soluble molecules of the “receptors”, such as C-type lectin (MjsvCL, MjLecA-C), Rab proteins, and Chitin-binding proteins, might be the attachment factors for WSSV, and that membrane proteins such as integrins [35], and scavenger receptors [40] were the receptors for WSSV. In the present study, our results might hint that MjpIgR is not the only receptor involved in viral entry. As shown in Fig 2, the difference of survival rate of MjpIgR-silenced shrimp and the control group although shows significant, a moderate improvement in survival of the two groups is observed (Fig 2G). This might suggest that there are other receptors and pathways may function in WSSV adhesion/entry processes. To answer the questions, we knocked down the expression of β-Integrin (a previously reported WSSV receptor) in shrimp, WSSV replication and survival rate were analyzed (S5 Fig). The results showed that after knockdown of β-Integrin (S5A Fig), WSSV replication declined (S5B Fig) and survival rate of the shrimp was higher than that of control group (S5C Fig). Comparing the results of MjpIgR (Fig 2G) and β-Integrin knockdown (S5C Fig) experiments, a similar moderate survival improvement was observed. These results suggested that like other viruses, WSSV has evolved multi-step attachment processes, and a requirement for more than one receptor in its infection. To date, however, no IgSF member has been reported to be a WSSV receptor. Therefore, this is the first report of a WSSV IgSF receptor.

Receptors play a crucial role in determining the cell specificity and tissue tropism of viruses. WSSV exhibits a much broader cell tropism and can infect most cell types from organs of ectodermal and mesodermal origin, including those of the epidermis, gills, foregut, hindgut, lymphoid organ, muscle, heart, and gonads [56]. As a transmembrane receptor, MjpIgR was ubiquitously distributed in shrimp. The wide distribution of MjpIgR corresponded with WSSV’s broad cell tropism in shrimp. To ascertain whether MjpIgR is the WSSV receptor, we detected the WSSV entry in non-permissive cells (HEK 293T) with MjpIgR overexpression. The result showed that MjpIgR can independently render non-permissive cells (HEK 293T) susceptible to WSSV infection, and suggesting that MjpIgR is one of the receptors of WSSV infection (Fig 5B and 5C).

After binding to receptors on the cell surface, the enveloped virus can either penetrate the membrane directly by lipid fusion and membrane perforation, or enter the host cell by endocytosis [41]. How does the endocytosis take place? The extracellular signal should be transferred to the cell cytoplasm by the receptor. The C-terminal intracellular domains of IgSF members often interact with cytoskeletal or adaptor proteins. This interaction can lead to the extracellular interaction signal being transmitted to the inside of the cells, which enables IgSF proteins to function in a wide range of biological processes [47]. In the present study, we identified that the intracellular domain of MjpIgR interacts with calmodulin (MjCaM). Several studies have reported that calmodulin could interact with clathrin [42,57,58]. In the immunocytochemical analysis, the membrane MjpIgR moved to the cytoplasm. In addition, MjpIgR and clathrin colocalized with WSSV in the cells. This suggested that the endocytosis of WSSV was pIgR-calmodulin-clathrin dependent. The AP-2 adaptor complex is a multimeric protein that has been considered one of the core components of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We also knocked down the AP-2α, a large subunit of the complex, and found that WSSV replication and co-localization of MjpIgR with VP28 were decreased (Fig 9). The results suggested that AP-2 also associated with clathrin-mediated endocytosis in shrimp.

In conclusion, WSSV enters host cells by attachment to the primary receptor, MjpIgR, on the cell membrane, a process that might require other attachment factors or coreceptors. The binding WSSV with the receptor induces oligomerization of the receptor to tetramers and the signal is transferred to the cell cytoplasm, resulting in the intracellular domain of MjpIgR interacting with calmodulin. This further induces the interaction of calmodulin with clathrin, finally resulting in endocytosis of WSSV into the host cells (Fig 10). The trafficking, penetration, and genome uncoating of the incoming WSSV in the host cell require further study.

Fig 10

Schematic of MjpIgR in promoting WSSV endocytosis as a transmembrane receptor.

WSSV bind to the extracellular domains of MjpIgR and activated receptor-mediated endocytosis. MjpIgR was oligomerized and intracellular domain of MjpIgR interacts with MjCaM, and MjCaM interacts with Mjclathrin. AP-2 adaptor complex also involves in the clathrin mediated endocytosis. MjpIgR with bound WSSV internalized in the pIgR-CaM-Clathrin endocytosis pathway.

Materials and methods

Animals

Healthy M. japonicus (9 g to 12 g each) were purchased from a seafood market in Jinan City, Shandong province, China. The shrimp were acclimated for 48 h in an aerated aquarium with artificial seawater at about 24 °C. The salinity of the seawater was maintained between 24‰ (w/v) to 26‰. Animals were randomly selected for the following experiments.

cDNA cloning and sequence analysis

The full-length sequence of MjpIgR was obtained through transcriptome sequencing using different tissues from infected shrimps. We used the NCBI database to determine the sequence homology (http://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi). The amino acid sequence, theoretical molecular weight, and isoelectric point of MjpIgR were analyzed using the online server (http://web.expasy.org/translate/). A domain prediction tool (SMART: http://smart.embl-heidelberg.de/) was used to analysis the protein domain architecture.

WSSV challenge and tissue collection

The WSSV inoculum was extracted based on the previously described method and the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used for viral quantification [59]. Each shrimp was injected with 50 μl of WSSV virions (1 × 105) from the viral infection. The same volume of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (140 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 10 mM Na2HPO4, 1.8 mM KH2PO4, pH 7.4) was injected into the control groups. Hemocytes were extracted from shrimp using a sterile syringe with anticoagulant buffer (450 mM NaCl, 10 mM KCl, 10 mM EDTA, 100 mM HEPES, pH 7.45) and then the hemolymph was discarded after centrifugation at 800 × g for 6 min at 4 °C, while the other tissues were dissected with scissors and forceps on ice for RNA or protein extraction.

RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and DNA and protein extraction

Total RNA was isolated from hemocytes and different organs (heart, hepatopancreas, gills, stomach, and intestine) of shrimp using the TRIpure Reagent (Bioteke, Beijing, China). First-strand cDNAs were synthetized using a cDNA Synthesis Kit (M-MLV version; Takara, Dalian, China). Genomic DNA was extracted using a genomic DNA Extraction Kit (Toyobo, Osaka, Japan). Protein samples from different organs and hemocytes were homogenized separately in radio-immunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, 150 mM NaCl, 0.1% SDS, 0.5% Nonidet P-40, 1 mM EDTA, 0.5 mM PMSF, pH 7.5). The tissue homogenate was centrifuged at 12000 × g for 10 min at 4 °C to collect the supernatant for further analysis.

Recombinant expression, purification, and antiserum production of MjpIgR

The specific primers MjpIgR-EX-F and MjpIgR-EX-R (Table 1) were used to amplify the extracellular fragment of MjpIgR. The PCR procedure was as follows: One cycle at 94 °C for 3 min; 35 cycles at 94 °C for 30 s, 54 °C for 30 s, and 72 °C for 90 s; and one cycle at 72 °C for 10 min. The PCR fragments were digested with restriction enzymes XhoI and EcoRI, and then ligated into the pGEX-4T-1 vector (GE Healthcare, Piscataway, NJ, USA). The recombinant plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli Rosseta (DE3) cells. GST-tagged MjpIgR recombinant expression was induced with 0.5 mM isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) at 37 °C for 4 h. The MjpIgR inclusion bodies were washed two times with Buffer A (50 mM Tris-HCl, 5 mM EDTA, pH 8.0) and then three times with Buffer B (50 mM Tris-HCl, 5 mM EDTA, 2 M urea, pH 8.0), and the precipitate was collected by centrifugation at 12000 × g for 10 min at 4 °C. Denaturing solution (0.1 M Tris-HCl, 10 mM DL-Dithiothreitol, 8 M urea) was added to dissolve the precipitate. The solution was shaken at 37 °C for 30 min and then the supernatant was collected after centrifugation at 12000 × g for 10 min at 4 °C. The MjpIgR was refolded in TBS buffer (150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0) for 48 h at 4 °C. The protein was purified using an affinity chromatography with GST-resin (GenScript, Nanjing, China) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Rabbit antiserum against MjpIgR was prepared following a previously reported method [60]. The three IG domains of MjpIgR and MjpIgR-ΔIG1 were also expressed in E. coli and purified for pulldown analysis.

Table 1

Sequences of the primers used in this research.

Primer	Sequence (5’-3’)
Recombinant expression
MjpIgR-SC-EX-F	TACTCAGAATTCGACGCAGACATTATCGTG
MjpIgR-SC-EX-R	TACTCACTCGAGTGAAAGCCGCACTTTGTA
MjpIgR-IG1-EX-F	TACTCAGAATTCGACGCAGACATTATCGTG
MjpIgR-IG1-EX-R	TACTCACTCGAGCTTCACAGTTACGATCAC
MjpIgR-IG2-EX-F	TACTCAGAATTCGAGACACCAGTTAAGTGT
MjpIgR-IG2-EX-R	TACTCACTCGAGAGGCACAGTGAGGGTCTT
MjpIgR-IG3-EX-F	TACTCAGAATTCAGCACTTACTACCAGATT
MjpIgR-IG3-EX-R	TACTCACTCGAGTGAAAGCCGCACTTTGTA
MjpIgR-ORF-F	TACTCAGAATTCATGTGCGAGTGTTCCTTTGTG
MjpIgR-ORF-R	TACTCACTCGAGCTACTCCTTTTTCTCGTCCTCCCG
MjpIgR-ΔIG1-EX-F	TACTCAGAATTCGACGCAGACATTATCGTG
MjpIgR-ΔIG1-EX-R	TACTCACTCGAGTCCAGGATGGACATCATC
MjpIgR-In-EX-F	TACTCAGAATTCCGGTATCGCCAGATGTTC
MjpIgR-In-EX-R	TACTCACTCGAGTGTCACGGTTCCAACAAT
Mjcalmodulin-EX-F	TACTCAGGATCCATGGCGGATCAGCTGACCGAA
Mjcalmodulin-EX-R	TACTCAGTCGACCTTCGAGGTCATCATCGTGAC
(q)RT-PCR
MjpIgR-RT-F	AAGTGTTAGCCGACAGGTTG
MjpIgR-RT-R	CTAAGATTTGTCAGACGCACC
Mjclathrin-RT-F	ATTTGATAGAGTTTCGTCG
Mjclathrin-RT-R	GCAGGTCGTAGCAGTGGA
Mjcalmodulin-RT-F	GGACGCTGACGGTAATG
Mjcalmodulin-RT-R	GTGGTGGCTGCTTGATA
Actin-RT-F	AGTAGCCGCCCTGGTTGTAGAC
Actin-RT-R	TTCTCCATGTCGTCCCAGT
β-integrin-RT-F	CACATCAGCGTGACCTACA
β-integrin-RT-R	GACGAAAGAACCGAAACC
AP2-RT-F	GCTAAAGAAGAAGAGTGGGAGA
AP2-RT-R	GCAGGTGGAGTTGACAGG
VP28-RT-F	AGCTCCAACACCTCCTCCTTCA
VP28-RT-R	TTACTCGGTCTCAGTGCCAGA
RNAi
dsMjpIgR-F	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGCACAAGGAAGGAGTGGAGGTA
dsMjpIgR-R	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGGGCGGTAACAATAATCAGCA
dsGFP-F	TAATACGACTCACTATAGGGGGGTGGTCCCAATTCTCGTGGAAC
dsGFP-R	TAATACGACTCACTATAGGGCTTGTACAGCTCGTCCATGC
dsMjclathrin-F	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGCCCAACGCTGGTTATGCT
dsMjclathrin-R	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGTGACCTGACCGCCTCTAC
dsMjcalmodulin-F	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGTTGTGATACATACACACA
dsMjcalmodulin-R	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGCGCGGTCACTTCACTTCG
dsβ-integrin-F	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGCCTGGACAAGAACTCGG
dsβ-integrin-R	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGCCTGGATAGCACGCACA
dsAP2-F	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGGAACCTCCTTTCTTCCAACA
dsAP2-R	GCGTAATACGACTCACTATAGGACACGCAACCCTTATACTCA
Overexpression of MjpIgR in nonpermissive cells
pIgR-pcDNA3.1(-)-F	CTACCTCGAGATGTGCGAGTGTTCCTTTGTGC
pIgR-pcDNA3.1(-)-R	GACTGAATTCCTACTCCTTTTTCTCGTCCTCCCG
pIgR-ΔIG1-pcDNA3.1(-)-R	GACTGAATTCTCCAGGATGGACATCATCGTAAAC
WSSV VP28-RT-F	CTCCGCAATGGAAAGTCTGA
WSSV VP28-RT-R	GGGTGAAGGAGGAGGTGTT
Genomic DNA F	CCAACAAGTGTCTCCTCCAAAT
Genomic DNA R	AATCTCCTCAGGGATGTCAAAGT

Western blotting

The tissue supernatants extracted from hemocytes and other organs (heart, hepatopancreas, gills, stomach, intestine) were resuspended in 200 μl of PBS, then 100 μl of SDS-PAGE Sample Loading Buffer (2% SDS, 0.1% bromophenol blue, 10% glycerin, 14.4 mM 2-Mercaptoethanol MCH, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 6.8) was added. The mixtures were centrifuged at 12000 × g for 1 min to collect the supernatants after treatment in a boiling water bath for 5 min. The proteins were separated by 12.5% SDS-PAGE and transferred onto a nitrocellulose membrane using Transfer Buffer (25 mM Tris, 20 mM Glycine, 0.037% SDS, 20% ethyl alcohol). After blocking with 3% nonfat milk diluted in TBST buffer (150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.1% Tween-20, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0) for 1 h, the membrane was incubated with antiserum against MjpIgR (1:200 dilution in blocking milk solution) for 4 h at room temperature. The membrane was washed three times with TBST and then incubated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated goat anti-rabbit antibodies at 1:10,000 dilution in blocking reagent (ZSGB Bio, Beijing, China). The membrane was finally washed by TBST and TBS three times, respectively. Target bands were visualized via the colorimetric reaction by adding 10 ml reaction media (1 ml 4-chloro-1-naphthol and 6 μl H2O2, diluted in TBS). Western blotting bands were digitalized and statistic analyzed by Image J.

Tissue distribution and expression profiles of MjpIgR

The tissue distribution of MjpIgR mRNA was determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) using primers MjpIgR-RT-F and MjpIgR-RT-R (Table 1). The β-actin gene was used as the internal control with primers β-actin-RT-F and β-actin-RT-R. The PCR procedure consisted of an initial incubation at 94 °C for 3 min; followed by 26 or 30 cycles of 94 °C for 30 s, 54 °C for 30 s, and 72 °C for 30 s; followed by 72 °C for 10 min. The PCR products were analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis (1.2% agarose). Correspondingly, the tissue distribution at protein level was analyzed using western blotting. Anti-β-actin antibodies prepared in our laboratory were used for internal protein normalization.

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to determine the expression profiles of MjpIgR mRNA after WSSV challenge using the above primers. The CFX96 Real-Time System (Bio-Rad, USA) was used to carry out the following PCR procedures: 95 °C for 10 min; 40 cycles at 95 °C for 15 s, 60 °C for 50 s, and reading at 72 °C for 2 s; and then a melting period from 65 °C to 95 °C. The data obtained were analyzed using the cycle threshold (2−ΔΔCT) method, as previously described [61]. The results were expressed as the mean ± SD from three independent repeats and significant differences in Student’s t-test were accepted at p < 0.05. Expression profiles of MjpIgR were analyzed by western blotting at different infection times (0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h) corresponding to the mRNA level.

RNA interference and antibody blocking assays

Gene-specific primers dsMjpIgR-F and dsMjpIgR-R, linked to the T7 promoter (Table 1), were used to amplify a partial MjpIgR cDNA fragment. The PCR products acted as the templates for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) synthesis using T7 RNA polymerase (Fermentas, Burlington, Canada), following the manufacturer’s instructions. The dsGFP (Green fluorescent protein) coding region, serving as a control, was synthesized using primers dsGFP-F and dsGFP-R (Table 1). For the RNA interference assay, 50 μg of dsRNA was injected into shrimp and then another 50 μg of dsRNA was injected 12 h after the first injection. The efficiency of RNA interference was assessed at 24 h using qPCR. Similar method was used for knockdown of Mjclathrin, Mjcalmodulin, Mjβ-integrin and MjAP-2α.

The pre-serum of rabbit and anti-MjpIgR serum were purified as described previously [62]. Each shrimp was injected with 30 μg of purified antibodies for 2 h and then WSSV was injected into shrimp for 24 h. The vp28 expression level was detected in hemocytes and intestine using qPCR.

Survival assay

The survival rate was analyzed after RNAi of MjpIgR in shrimp challenged by WSSV. Shrimp were divided into two groups: The dsGFP group and the dsMjpIgR group. After RNAi for 24 h, WSSV particles (1 × 105) were injected into two groups of shrimp separately. The two groups were monitored every half-day by counting the numbers of dead shrimp.

MjpIgR overexpression

To detect the function of MjpIgR, an overexpression assay was performed. The MjpIgR open reading frame (ORF) was amplified using primers MjpIgR-ORF-F and MjpIgR-ORF-R (Table 1). The PCR fragments were then ligated into vector pET-32a(+), which contains a T7 promoter. Thereafter, the recombinant plasmid was used for mRNA synthesis and capping, as previous described [40]. The mRNA from empty pET-32a(+) vector was used as a control. Each group was injected with 100 μg mRNA for 24 h and the overexpression efficiency was detected using MjpIgR antibodies. Later, WSSV particles were injected into the shrimp for additional 24 h. The RNA, DNA, and protein were extracted from different tissues to evaluate the quantity and copies of WSSV.

pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR construction and overexpression of WSSV in non-permissive cells

To qualify as a bona fide receptor of MjpIgR for WSSV entry, the WSSV DNA was detected in MjpIgR overexpressed non-permissive cell type (human HEK 293T cells). To construct the plasmid pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR for expression of pIgR, the ORF of pIgR was amplified using the primers pIgR-pcDNA3.1(-)-F and pIgR-pcDNA3.1(-)-R (Table 1) and cloned into the XhoI and EcoRI restriction sites of the plasmid pcDNA3.1(-) vector. The truncated mutation of IG1 domain (named pIgR-ΔIG1) was also amplified with pIgR-pcDNA3.1(-)-F and pIgR-ΔIG1-pcDNA3.1(-)-R (Table 1) and cloned into pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR-ΔIG1 plasmid.

HEK 293T cells were seeded in 24-well-plate one day before transfection. The pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR expression plasmid, pcDNA3.1(-)-pIgR-ΔIG1 expression plasmid or empty vector was transfected into the HEK 293T cells using Lipofectamine 2000 (invitrogen) transfection reagent. Twenty-four hours later, WSSV was added into the cells and incubated at 37°C for 1 h. Then the cells were extensively washed with PBS twice to remove uninfected virus particles. Subsequently, the DNA of the cells was isolated using Dneasy Blood & Tissue Kit (QIAGEN), and subject to qPCR assay to detect the WSSV DNA. The primers used in qPCR assay is WSSV VP28-RT-F and WSSV VP28-RT-R; genomic DNA F and genomic DNA R.

Immunocytochemical analysis

To detect the distribution and translocation of MjpIgR in hemocytes of shrimp challenged by WSSV, immunocytochemical assays were performed following previous report [63]. Hemocytes were collected in 4% paraformaldehyde and anticoagulation mixtures (1:1) at different time points after WSSV challenge. The hemocytes were then washed three times with PBS and centrifuged at 800 × g for 6 min at 4 °C to remove the plasma. After re-suspending in PBS, the hemocytes were dropped onto poly-lysine coated glass slides and left to stand for 1 h. The slides were washed six times, and blocked with 3% bovine serum albumin (dissolved in PBS) for 30 min at 37 °C. Anti-MjpIgR antibody was then added (1:100 diluted in 3% bovine serum albumin) and the cells were incubated over night at 4 °C. The hemocytes were washed with PBS six times, incubated with goat anti-rabbit antibody conjugated with ALEXA 488 (1:1000 diluted in PBS) for 2 h at 37 °C, washed with PBS again, and then stained with 4-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) for 10 min at room temperature. After washing six times, the slides were examined under a fluorescent microscope (Olympus BX51, Japan).

For the immunocytochemical assay of Mjclathrin, rabbit anti-clathrin heavy chain (Bioss, Beijing, China) was used (1:1000 diluted in 3% bovine serum albumin) as the primary antibody. The other steps were the same as those described above.

Co-localization of fluorescent-labeled WSSV and MjpIgR

To detect the interaction of WSSV particles with MjpIgR, the purified WSSV particles were labeled with Dil (Beyotime, Shanghai, China) by incubation with Dil reagent (25 μg/ml) for 2 h at 37 °C and then centrifuged at 12000 × g for 20 min at 4 °C to remove the supernatant. The sediment was washed with PBS twice and resuspended in PBS. The Dil-labeled WSSV was injected into shrimps and hemocytes were collected at different times (0, 15, 30, and 60 min). The cells were subjected to immunocytochemical assays using anti-MjpIgR antibodies to detect the colocalization of WSSV with MjpIgR.

Pull-down assay

Pull-down assays were performed to further explore the interaction between MjpIgR and WSSV envelope proteins. The four main envelope proteins of WSSV (VP19, VP24, VP26, and VP28) were recombinantly expressed in E. coli using recombinant vector pET32A-VPs. Purified GST-tagged MjpIgR (200 μg) was incubated with the four His-tagged envelope proteins (1:1), separately, for 5 h at 4 °C. After incubation with GST-bound resin (50 μl) for 45 min at 4 °C, the resin was washed with PBS five times. Elution buffer (10 mM reduced glutathione, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0) was added to wash out the bound proteins. SDS-PAGE was conducted to analyze the proteins. His-pulldown was also performed. Purified His-tagged VPs was incubated with GST-tagged MjpIgR, respectively. After incubation with His-bound resin for 45 min at 4 °C, the resin was washed with PBS five times. Elution buffer (0.5 M NaCl, 1 M imidazole, 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0) was used to wash out the bound protein.

To further confirm the interaction of MjpIgR with VP24, the expression of truncating mutation of IG1 of MjpIgR was performed. The sequence of MjpIgR-ΔIG1 was amplified with primers MjpIgR-ΔIG1-EX-F and MjpIgR-ΔIG1-EX-R (Table 1) and cloned into pGEX-4T-1 vector for recombinant expression. The purified GST-tagged MjpIgR-ΔIG1 was used for pulldown analysis.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Flat-bottomed 96-well microliter plates were coated with purified WSSV particles (50 μl) overnight at 4 °C, washed with TBST five times, and then blocked with 3% bovine serum albumin (dissolved in TBST) for 1 h at 4 °C. Different proteins were added to the plates at different concentrations. After incubation for 4 h at room temperature and washing five times, an anti-GST Tag Mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb; Abbkine, CA, USA) was added to the plates and incubated overnight at 4 °C. Horse anti-mouse antibody (Zsbio, Beijing, China) (1:2000 diluted in 3% bovine serum albumin) was added and incubated for 2 h at room temperature. After washing five times, 100 μl of the chromogenic reaction liquid (1 mg/ml p-nitro-phenyl phosphate, 10 mM diethanolamine, 0.5 mM MgCl2) was added to each well for 20 min at room temperature. The absorbance of each well was read using a Universal Microplate Reader ELX800 (Bio-Tek, USA) at 405 nm.

Calmodulin antagonist assay

N-(4-Aminobutyl)-5-chloro-2-naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride W13 (W-13, Sigma-Aldrich, USA) was used as a calmodulin antagonist. Different concentrations of W-13 (10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 μM) were injected into shrimp, and WSSV particles were injected 2 h later. The WSSV expression levels were detected in the hemocytes and intestine at 24 h after WSSV infection.

Chlorpromazine injection

To detect the endocytosis of WSSV, an inhibitor of clathrin-dependent endocytosis, chlorpromazine (CPZ, Sangon Biotech, Shanghai, China) was injected into shrimp at different concentrations (10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 μM) and WSSV was injected 2 h later. The amount of WSSV in the hemocytes and intestine was detected using qPCR. To analyze whether the MjpIgR-induced WSSV endocytosis is clathrin-dependent, CPZ was injected into MjpIgR-overexpressing shrimp infected with WSSV. WSSV replication was detected using qPCR and western blotting with an envelope protein of WSSV as the indicator.

Flow cytometry

WSSV particles were labeled with Dil (red) for 2 h and then collected by centrifugation at 12000 × g for 20 min. The Dil-labeled WSSV particles were washed with PBS twice, and then suspended in PBS for shrimp injection. Hemocytes were collected at 1 h for overexpression or RNA interference, and detected using flow cytometry (ImageStreamX MarkII, USA).

Oligomerization test

The MjpIgR (extracellular domain) recombinant was used for native PAGE to detect the oligomerization in vitro, as described in previous articles [40]. A crosslinking assay was performed to detect oligomerization in vivo. Intestines from shrimp were ground into a homogenate in PBS, and Subric acid bis sodium salt (3-sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, BS3; Sigma-Aldrich, USA) was added to a final concentration of 5 mM. After incubation for 2 h at room temperature, SDS-PAGE sample loading buffer was added for reaction termination. The reagent mixture was treated in a boiling water bath for 5 min followed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting.

Architecture representation of Fasciclin proteins from Drosophila melanogaster, M. japonicus, and other insects predicted by SMART.

Apis cerana, XP_016913112; Drosophila melanogaster Fasciclin I, AAF55346.2; Fasciclin II, AAF45925.2; Fasciclin III, NP_724107.1. Musca domestica, XP_005182792.

(TIF)

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Domain architecture of pIgR analyzed by SMART (http://smart.embl-heidelberg.de/) in different species.

Homo sapiens, AAI10495.1; Danio rerio, XM_021466408; Poecilia latipinna, XP_014912501; Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, XP_020786989; Lepisosteus oculatus, XP_015197895.

(TIF)

Click here for additional data file.

Phylogenetic analysis of pIgRs from M. japonicus and other species constructed by MEGA 5.0.

(TIF)

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Specificity analysis of MjpIgR primers.

The primers of MjpIgR ORF were used for RT-PCR amplification with samples from Litopenaeus vannamei and Procambarus clarkii. No any band was detected in hemocytes and different organs of the two species.

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Knockdown of Mjβ-integrin in shrimp inhibited WSSV replication and increased survival rate of the shrimp.

A, The efficiency of Mjβ-integrin RNAi. B, The expression of WSSV vp28 in Mjβ-integrin knockdown shrimp infected with WSSV. C, Survival rates of Mjβ-integrin knockdown and dsGFP injection shrimp after WSSV infection. Significant differences were analyzed using the software GraphPad Prism 5.0.

(TIF)

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