CcBV circles integrate into the DNA of host hemocytes.. BAS

The fate of polydnaviruses circles of Cotesia congregata bracovirus was investigated during parasitism of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, by the wasp Cotesia congregata. A PCR approach indicated that they possibly integrated in host DNA. By using a primer extension capture method based on these HIM motifs, and high through-put sequencing we could show that 8 over 9 circles tested were integrated in M. sexta hemocyte genomic DNA and that integration had occurred specifically using the Host Integration Motifs (HIM). Investigation of BV circle insertion sites at the genome scale revealed that certain genomic regions appeared to be enriched in BV insertions, but no specific M. sexta target site could be identified.