Single cell transcriptome sequencing of hemocytes of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) before and after WSSV infection

We used the BDA DNBelabC4 platform to conduct single-cell RNA transcriptome sequencing on hemocytes before and after infection with WSSV, and to study the changes in hemocytes composition and antiviral mechanism of a crustacean virus infection represented by mud crab. The blood cells, or hemocytes, of the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) play crucial roles in its innate immune system. These cells are involved in various immune responses, including phagocytosis, encapsulation, and the production of antimicrobial peptides. The hemocytes can be isolated and characterized using techniques such as flow cytometry, which helps in understanding their functions and interactions within the crab's immune system. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is a highly contagious and lethal virus that primarily infects crustaceans, particularly shrimp and crabs. It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus, typically oval-shaped, measuring about 320nm in length and 100nm in width, making it one of the largest known viruses. WSSV is the causative agent of White Spot Syndrome, a disease that has caused significant economic losses in the aquaculture industry. Overall design: 10^7 WSSV were injected into the joint of the third appendage of mud crab. After 20 hours, the hemlymph of mud crab was extracted, and the precipitation cells were centrifuged after 1:1 mixing with citric acid anticoagulant, and single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to study the changes of cell types of hemocytes infected with WSSV and screen cells with antiviral function.