Myeloid Leukemia Factor Participates In The Antibacterial Immune Reaction Of Kuruma Shrimp Marsupenaeus Japonicus

Myeloid leukemia factor (MLF) plays an important role in the development of Drosophila. It is reported that MLF could inhibit white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) replication in shrimp. However, the function and mechanism of MLF in shrimp antibacterial immunity are still elusive. In this study, we found MjMLF could be upregulated by Vibro anguillarum challenge in hemocytes, gills, and intestine of kuruma shrimp. RNAi assay showed that MjMLF could facilitate bacterial clearance in shrimp, and it was beneficial for shrimp survival post V. anguillarum infection. Pull down assay showed that rMjMLF could bind to rMj14-3-3 in vitro. Some antimicrobial peptide genes could be regulated by MjMLF. The results indicated that MjMLF might participate in the anti-bacterial immune reaction of shrimp.