Olfaction Shapes Host–Parasite Interactions in Parasitic Nematodes
Olfaction shapes host–parasite interactions in PNAS PLUS parasitic nematodes Adler R. Dillmana, Manon L. Guillerminb, Joon Ha Leeb, Brian Kima, Paul W. Sternberga,1, and Elissa A. Hallemb,1 aHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125; and bDepartment of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 Contributed by Paul W. Sternberg, July 9, 2012 (sent for review May 8, 2012) Many parasitic nematodes actively seek out hosts in which to host recognition (19). IJs then infect the host either by entering complete their lifecycles. Olfaction is thought to play an important through natural orifices or by penetrating through the insect role in the host-seeking process, with parasites following a chem- cuticle (20). Following infection, IJs release a bacterial endo- ical trail toward host-associated odors. However, little is known symbiont into the insect host and resume development (21–23). about the olfactory cues that attract parasitic nematodes to hosts The bacteria proliferate inside the insect, producing an arsenal or the behavioral responses these cues elicit. Moreover, what little of secondary metabolites that lead to rapid insect death and is known focuses on easily obtainable laboratory hosts rather digestion of insect tissues. The nematodes feed on the multi- than on natural or other ecologically relevant hosts. Here we in- plying bacteria and the liberated nutrients of broken-down in- vestigate the olfactory responses of six diverse species of ento- sect tissues. They reproduce in the cadaver until resources are mopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to seven ecologically relevant depleted, at which time new IJs form and disperse in search of potential invertebrate hosts, including one known natural host new hosts (24).
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