Understanding of host-pathogen interaction by using silkworm infection model

本研究揭示了一种新的金黄色葡萄球菌毒力因子调控RNA降解。毒力因子修饰RNA，使RNA对RNA酶的降解不敏感。这一发现提示了一种新的RNA降解调控机制。本研究还发现家蚕的一种血淋巴蛋白对金黄色葡萄球菌的毒力有抑制作用。血淋巴蛋白结合金黄色葡萄球菌表面，抑制毒力基因的表达。这一发现提示了宿主动物对病原菌的一种新的防御系统，以及金黄色葡萄球菌对宿主环境的一种新的识别系统。

This study revealed that a novel virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus regulates RNA degradation. The virulence factor modified RNA and made RNA insensitive to degradation by RNase. This finding indicates a novel regulatory mechanism of RNA degradation.This study also revealed that a hemolymph protein of silkworm inhibits virulence of S. aureus. The hemolymph protein bound S. aureus surfaces and inhibited expression of virulence genes. This finding indicates a novel defense system of host animal against pathogenic bacteria as well as a novel recognition system of S. aureus against host environment.