BmNPV TURNS HOST AUTOPHAGY TO ITS ADVANTAGE: WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

Abstract

 Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is one of the most harmful pathogens in sericulture, causing serious losses in cocoon production. Recent research has revealed that BmNPV can induce autophagy in host cells during the early stage of infection. In infected BmN-SWU1 cells, the formation of autophagosomes and lipidated ATG8 proteins increases significantly, together with the upregulation of several autophagy-related genes, including Atg7, Atg9, Atg8, and Atg12. Silencing these genes reduces the expression of viral genes such as ie-1, vp39, and p10, indicating that the virus benefits from the host’s autophagy system. This review summarizes the molecular evidence showing how BmNPV utilizes host autophagy to enhance its replication and discusses its potential implications for virus control and silkworm breeding strategies.