A Reverse Genetics System for the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus and Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus.

Sa Yang,Chunsheng Hou,Hongxia Zhao,Shuai Deng,Yanchun Deng,Xinling Wang,Qingyun Diao

doi:10.3390/ijms21051742

Abstract

Honey bee viruses are associated with honey bee colony decline. Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) is considered to have a strong impact on honey bee survival. Phylogenetic analysis of the viral genomes from several regions of the world showed that various IAPV lineages had substantial differences in virulence. Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), another important honey bee virus, can induce two significantly different symptoms. However, the infection characteristics and pathogenesis of IAPV and CBPV have not been completely elucidated. Here, we constructed infectious clones of IAPV and CBPV using a universal vector to provide a basis for studying their replication and pathogenesis. Infectious IAPV and CBPV were rescued from molecular clones of IAPV and CBPV genomes, respectively, that induced typical paralysis symptoms. The replication levels and expression proteins of IAPV and CBPV in progeny virus production were confirmed by qPCR and Western blot. Our results will allow further dissection of the role of each gene in the context of viral infection while helping to study viral pathogenesis and develop antiviral drugs using reverse genetics systems.

Highlights

Honey bees provide bee products to mankind and supply an essential pollination service to terrestrial ecosystems [1]
Infectious Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) and Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) were rescued from molecular clones of IAPV and CBPV genomes, respectively, that induced typical paralysis symptoms
The replication levels and expression proteins of IAPV and CBPV in progeny virus production were confirmed by qPCR and Western blot

Summary

Introduction

Honey bees provide bee products to mankind and supply an essential pollination service to terrestrial ecosystems [1]. Small RNA viruses of the honey bee were considered as the main cause of honey bee colony decline investigated in America and a few European countries [4]. Increasing reports of new viruses infecting honey bees are still emerging [5], over 20 viruses have been confirmed to have effects on honey bee health. Of these viruses, Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) has been considered as a major contributor to colony collapse disorder (CCD) [6], further studies have failed to confirm a direct causal link with CCD. IAPV was first identified and characterized in 2007, and it was found that a typical sign of IAPV was characterized by a paralyzed body and an inability to fly, progressing to death in front of the beehive and eventually resulting in the collapse of the entire colonies in a short time [7]

Methods

Results

Conclusion