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A recombinant immunosuppressive protein from Pimpla hypochondriaca increases the susceptibility of two lepidopteran pests to Bacillus thuringiensis

E. H. Richards1; M. P. Dani1
1Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York, Y041 1LZ, UK

Venom from the endoparasitic wasp, Pimpla hypochondriaca, contains factors with anti-haemocyte and immunosuppressive properties. The gene for one such factor (vpb) has been cloned and recombinant protein produced. Bio-assays utilising VPB were performed and indicated that introduction of this immunosuppressive protein into the haemocoel of two lepidopteran pests, increases their susceptibility to the biological control agent, Bacillus thuringiensis. The potential for improving the efficacy of Bt through suppression of pest immune responses is discussed.

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