Cuticle degrading proteases from insect moulting fluid and culture filtrates of entomopathogenic fungi

Abstract

Insects degrade their own cuticle during moulting, a process which is catalysed by a complex mixture of enzymes. Entomopathogenic fungi infect the insect host by penetration of the cuticle, utilizing enzymatic and/or physical mechanisms. Protein is a major component of insect cuticle and a major recyclable resource for the insect and, therefore, represents a significant barrier to the invading fungus. To this end, both insects and entomopathogenic fungi produce a variety of cuticle degrading proteases. The aim of this paper is to review these proteases and to highlight their similarities, with particular reference to the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, and the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae.