Data from: The effect of inactivated bacteria on the redox status of larvae of the wax moth Galleria mellonella

Insects’ defenses can be directed at both live and inactivated pathogens.
Recognition of pathogen-associated structures leads to modulation of
innate immune responses and oxidative stress in the host. The article
presents results of experiments showing that inactivated vegetative cells
of Bacillus thuringiensis, B. subtilis, and B. cereus can modulate immune
responses in Galleria mellonella in the absence of damage to tissues of
the midgut. In the first hours after feeding on Bacillus spp., an increase
in the number of immunocompetent hemocytes was observed. Phenoloxidase
activity in the hemolymph of wax moth larvae was inhibited, which is
confirmed by the suppression of the production of reactive oxygen species
in hemolymph. In addition, it was found that the antioxidant response to
the bacterial inoculation in the midgut and hemolymph is different.
Probably, the local antioxidant defense system is probably configured in
such a way that the level of reactive oxygen species increases rapidly to
perform useful biological functions and decreases just as quickly,
minimizing oxidative damage.