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Microbial activation of prophenoloxidase from immune insect larvae

Abstract

INTEREST in the infection of insects by parasites has been generated by the pathogenic potential of the parasite to the insect itself, or to a vertebrate host to which the parasite may be transmitted. For example, because of the effects of malaria on man, the relationships between Plasmodia and various mosquito species have received much attention1,2. An important part of the host-parasite relationship is the defence system of the host. In insects, phenoloxidase (o-diphenol: O2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.10.3.1.) has been suggested to be at least partially responsible for insect immunity and parasite resistance3–5.

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PYE, A. Microbial activation of prophenoloxidase from immune insect larvae. Nature 251, 610–613 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/251610a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/251610a0

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