transcriptomics in the hepatopancreas of Litopenaeus vannamei following VPAHPND and non-VPAHPND infection

Our study on the infection of Litopenaeus vannamei by VPAHPND and non-VPAHPND strains reveals both common and specific host responses. While both infections trigger broad-spectrum antimicrobial immune responses, VPAHPND infection results in unique pathological and molecular changes, including severe hepatopancreatic damage and increased mortality, and upregulation of cytoskeleton-related genes, which may facilitate pathogen spread by compromising epithelial barriers. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicate significant alterations in lipid, glutathione, and bile acid metabolism, highlighting VPAHPND's manipulation of host metabolic processes to enhance its survival and virulence. Notably, the downregulation of the FXR gene suggest key roles in the observed metabolic disturbances. These findings underscore the need for further research to validate these mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic interventions.