insects Article Immune Response of Drosophila suzukii Larvae to Infection with the Nematobacterial Complex Steinernema carpocapsae–Xenorhabdus nematophila Anna Garriga 1 , Maristella Mastore 2 , Ana Morton 1 , Fernando Garcia del Pino 1, * and Maurizio Francesco Brivio 2, * 1 Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; anna.garriga.oliveras@uab.cat (A.G.); ana.morton@uab.cat (A.M.) 2 Laboratory of Comparative Immunology and Parasitology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; maristella.mastore@uninsubria.it * Correspondence: fernando.garcia@uab.cat (F.G.d.P.); maurizio.brivio@uninsubria.it (M.F.B.); Tel.: +39-0332-421404 (M.F.B.)  Received: 14 February 2020; Accepted: 26 March 2020; Published: 28 March 2020  Abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes have been proposed as biological agents for the control of Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest of small-stone and soft-skinned fruits. Larvae of the fly are susceptible to Steinernema carpocapsae infection but the reaction of immune defenses of the host are unknown. To determine the immune response, larvae were infected with S. carpocapsae and Xenorhabdus nematophila to evaluate the effector mechanisms of both humoral and cellular processes. The symbiont bacteria presented an inhibitory effect on the phenoloxidase cascade with a low level of melanization. Besides, X. nematophila activated the synthesis of putative antimicrobial peptides on the hemolymph of infected larvae. However, those peptides presented a lower antimicrobial activity compared to hemolymph from larvae infected with non-symbiont bacteria. Xenorhabdus nematophila avoided also the phagocytosis response of hemocytes. During in vitro and in vivo assays, S. carpocapsae was not encapsulated by cells, unless the cuticle was damaged with a lipase-treatment. Hemocyte counts confirmed differentiation of lamellocytes in the early phase of infection despite the unrecognition of the nematodes. Both X. nematophila and S. carpocapsae avoided the cellular defenses of D. suzukii larvae and depressed the humoral response. These results confirmed the potential of entomopathogenic nematodes to control D. suzukii. Keywords: Drosophila suzukii; immunity; entomopathogenic nematodes; Steinernema carpocapsae; Xenorhabdus nematophila; humoral defenses; cellular defenses 1. Introduction Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) belonging to families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae (Nematoda: Rhabditida) are obligate parasites of a wide range of insects [1]. These nematodes have a mutualistic relationship with a bacteria of the genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus respectively, that helps to kill the insect [2]. The infective juveniles (IJs) enter the host through natural body openings or by penetrating the cuticle and release the bacteria [3]. The nematode-bacteria complex kills the host within 24 to 48 h through septicemia or toxemia [4]. Thus, nowadays, EPNs are used as biological control agents in the management of agricultural pests [5]. An important factor that affects the efficacy of EPNs is the immune response of the insect host [6]. The cuticle of the insects is the first defense against nematodes together with an intense grooming behavior [7]. When IJs penetrate through the cuticle into the hemocoel, physiological and immune defenses are Insects 2020, 11, 210; doi:10.3390/insects11040210 www.mdpi.com/journal/insects Insects 2020, 11, 210 2 of 19 activated in response to nematode presence [8,9]. Recognition of non-self, mainly based on the interaction between pathogen-associated molecular patterns and pattern-recognition receptors (PAMPs and PRRs), is crucial for the proper occurrence of cellular and humoral immune responses [10,11]. In insects, PAMPs and PRRs mediate the discriminatory step before triggering humoral responses, such as proPO system or antimicrobial peptide synthesis (AMPs). The proPO system is a complex enzymatic cascade responsible for the melanization reaction. This process leads to the production of melanin that can encapsulate invaders and opsonic factors enhancing immune reactions; moreover, drosophila phenoloxidases (PO) seem to play a role also in hemolymph clotting as a further defensive mechanism aimed to prevent the entry of nematodes and microorganisms [12–14]. Unlike the proPO system, which is rather well preserved and homogeneous among arthropod species, AMPs show different structural conformations among insects and various mechanisms to kill microorganisms [15]. PRRs also activate cellular responses like phagocytosis and encapsulation; phagocytosis is a conserved process mediated by hemocytes against various small targets including bacteria and yeast [16,17]. Instead, encapsulation is the main defense against the presence of multicellular targets, such as nematodes or endo-parasitoids. In the Drosophila family, three main types of hemocytes or immunocompetent cells (plasmatocytes, lamellocytes, and crystal cells) are found in the hemolymph and are responsible for the immune functions described [18]. Plasmatocytes represent the most abundant hemocytes and play a crucial role in target recognition, phagocytosis activity, and as promoters of encapsulation. These cells recall and differentiate to lamellocytes [19], which are involved in the formation of multi-layered capsules. The third cell population consists of crystal cells, which contain the enzymes of the proPO cascade and quickly degranulate in the presence of non-self [20]. Nevertheless, EPNs have developed strategies to evade and suppress the insect immune defenses during all stages of infection [6]. During a nematobacterial infection, three steps can be identified: in the early phase, IJs must evade and/or depress the host immune system just after entry. Afterward, in the midterm phase, symbiont bacteria are released and secret toxic compounds that contribute to killing the host. Finally, the long phase is the reproductive stage of nematodes [21]. Nemato-bacterial strategies are based on mimicry processes [22] or active suppression of host defenses [9]. Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) has been reported using mimic insect recognition proteins expressed in the epicuticle of IJs that evade detection [23,24]. This nematode can also damage immune defenses with proteolytic secretions, modulate proPO activity, and avoid encapsulation in different insect species [25–27]. In addition, its symbiont bacteria Xenorhabdus nematophila can cause general immunodeficiency using toxins that jointly with nematode defenses overcome the insect’s immune response [21]. Besides, Park and Kim [28] reported the ability of X. nematophila to avoid the activation of proPO cascade. Our work is focused on Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilae) or spotted wing drosophila, the most important pest that attacks soft-skinned and small stone fruits causing significant losses to crops [29,30]. Despite chemical and culture methods are widely used, biological control of this fly has been attempted using natural enemies and entomopathogenic agents [31]. Studies with larvae of D. suzukii showed a strong immune response of encapsulation to parasitoid eggs of Leptopilina heterotoma Thompson (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) that discourages their use for controlling the pest [32,33]. Instead, pupal parasitoids, entomopathogenic fungi, and EPNs achieved better results controlling the fly under laboratory conditions [34–37]. Susceptibility of D. suzukii larvae was evaluated against different EPN species, as S. carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) [36]. This study reported a high susceptibility of the fly after nematodes killed the larvae and reproduced inside them. Nevertheless, the immune response of D. suzukii to EPNs infection has not yet been studied. Therefore, this work aimed to study the relationships between D. suzukii larvae and the nematobacterial complex S. carpocapsae/X. nematophila, from an immunological point of view. We evaluated humoral defenses, as the proPO system and lysozyme activity, the presence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) pool and its activity against bacteria. We analyzed the cellular response of D. Insects 2020, 11, 210 3 of 19 suzukii larvae determining the phagocytosis and encapsulation ability of hemocytes and describing the immunoevasion strategies of S. carpocapsae. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Chemicals and Instruments All reagents used in the assays were supplied by Sigma Chemicals (St. Louis, MO, USA), ICN (ICN Biomedicals, GmbH), Merck Millipore Ltd. (Tullagreen, Cork, Ireland), Bio-Rad Laboratories (Detroit, MI, USA). The equipment was supplied by Bio-Rad Laboratories (Detroit, MI, USA) and Celbio Spa (Milan, Italy, EU). Centrifugations were carried out with a SIGMA 1-14 (SciQuip Ltd., Newtown, Wem, Shropshire, UK) and an Eppendorf 5804R (Eppendorf, AG, Hamburg, Germany). Spectrophotometric assays were performed with a Jasco V-560 spectrophotometer (Easton, MD, USA). All materials, buffers, and solutions were autoclaved or filtered with 0.22 µm Minisart filters (Sartorius, Goettingen, Germany). For microscopy observations, a microscope Olympus IX-51 epifluorescence connected to a Nikon digital camera was used. 2.2. Insects and Nematodes The third stage of D. suzukii larvae used for all assays was obtained from a laboratory culture of specimens collected in Catalonia (NE Spain) in 2012. These insects were reared on a Drosophila diet [37] and maintained in a climate chamber at 25 ◦ C, 45% RH, and a 12:12 h photoperiod. The EPN species used in this study was S. carpocapsae (B14) isolated from urban garden soil in Barcelona (Catalonia, NE Spain). Nematodes were reared at 25 ◦ C in the last instar larvae of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) according to the method described by Woodring and Kaya [38]. The IJs emerging from insect cadavers were collected with modified White traps [39] and stored in sterile tap water in culture flasks at 9 ◦ C for a maximum of two weeks. Before use, IJs were acclimatized at room temperature for 3 h and their viability was checked by observation of movement under a stereomicroscope. IJs were selected, washed several times with sterile phosphate buffer (PBS) (8.0 g NaCl, 0.2 g KCl, 1.44 g Na2 HPO4 , 0.24 g KH2 PO4 per liter, pH 7.4), and centrifuged at 100× g for 2 min at 20 ◦ C. Assays were performed using alive, dead and lipase-treated dead nematodes, to evaluate the role of the body surface of S. carpocapsae in the immune-evasive processes. To kill the nematodes, they were frozen at −20 ◦ C for at least 5–6 h in PBS plus 20% of glycerol. To modify the cuticular lipid layer, killed nematodes were treated with 50 µl of lipase (10 U/µL in 30 mM of Tris-HCl, pH 8), at 37 ◦ C, for 90 min; after the enzymatic digestion, nematodes were washed several times in sterile buffer. 2.3. Bacteria Cultures and Infection Protocol To culture the symbiotic bacteria, X. nematophila were isolated from S. carpocapsae according to the method of Park and Kim [40]. X. nematophila Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP-labeled) was also kindly provided by the laboratory of Prof. Givaudan (University of Montpellier, France). Bacteria were inoculated into liquid broth (30g/L Tryptic Soy Broth) and incubated at 30 ◦ C in agitation, overnight under dark conditions. The culture was grown to an optical density (OD) of 0.6; the growth curve was measured spectrophotometrically at 600 nm. Bacteria were centrifuged at 1700× g for 20 min and bacterial pellets were washed several times with PBS. Aliquots at different concentrations were prepared for corresponding assays. Cultures of Escherichia coli (C1a), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC N◦ 6633), and Micrococcus luteus (ATCC N◦ 4698) were prepared for positive stimulation of D. suzukii larvae. Bacteria were inoculated and grown in Luria broth (20 gr/L) at 37 ◦ C and 30 ◦ C for M. luteus in agitation, overnight under dark conditions. Bacteria were grown up to 0.6 OD (109 CFU/mL) and were centrifuged at 1500× g for 15 min at 20 ◦ C. After centrifugation, the pellets were washed several times in PBS. Final bacterial concentrations and species mixtures were reported in each assay. Insects 2020, 11, 210 4 of 19 2.4. Hemolymph Collection To extract the hemolymph, third stage D. suzukii larvae were washed in PBS and 70% ethanol solution and anesthetized at 4 ◦ C. Depending on the assay, 20 to 40 larvae were cut in the dorsal region with a microsurgical scissor and transferred in PCR tubes properly prepared for the procedure. The bottom of the tube was holed several times with a needle and inserted into a 0.5 mL Eppendorf so that during centrifugation, the hemolymph was collected in the large tube. Samples were centrifuged at 250× g for 5 min at 4 ◦ C to collect whole hemolymph containing hemocytes. For humoral assays (Section 2.6, Section 2.7), the supernatant, corresponding to a cell-free fraction (CFF), was recovered, centrifuged at 720× g and a few phenylthiourea (PTU) crystals were added; all the humoral immunity assays were carried out according to the methods described in Mastore and Brivio [41]. For cellular assays (Section 2.8, Section 2.9), 10 µL of PTU (from a saturated stock solution) were added to the whole hemolymph to prevent unwanted activation of phenoloxidase. 2.5. proPO System Relative Activity in the Host Hemolymph To test the proPO activity of D. suzukii larvae against bacterial infection, phenoloxidase relative activity was analyzed in the hemolymph by spectrophotometric analysis with L-Dopa as a substrate. Larvae of D. suzukii were washed with PBS and anesthetized by exposure to cold; then, they were infected with bacteria using a pricking method. Pricking consisted of a puncture with a wolfram needle soaked in bacteria pellet obtained from a suspension of 109 CFU/mL. Four different treatments were evaluated: naive larvae, control pricked larvae, X. nematophila infected larvae, and E. coli/B. subtilis infected larvae. A mixture of E. coli and B. subtilis 1:1 (v/v) was prepared. Larvae were kept at rearing conditions until hemolymph was collected 30 min after any treatment. After the extraction, the total protein content was determined and the reaction volumes were normalized according to concentration, 2.5 µL of hemolymph was added in 1 mL of L-Dopa buffer (8 mM L-Dopa in 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.2). The increase of absorbance was recorded at 490 nm (∆A490 5 min−1 ) at 25 ◦ C, by a double-beam Jasco V-560 spectrophotometer (Easton, MD, USA) using L-Dopa buffer as blank. For each treatment, 20 larvae were used, and the experiment was repeated 5 times. 2.6. Lysozyme Activity after Bacterial Infection To evaluate the activity of lysozyme in naïve and infected larvae of D. suzukii, the turbidimetric method was used with Micrococcus lysodeikticus as a substrate. This method is based on the decrease of absorbance due to the lysozyme-induced cell lysis determined as a unit of lysozyme produced in one minute a variation of OD 450 nm of 0.001. Larvae of D. suzukii were infected with X. nematophila and E. coli/M. luteus mixture 1:1 (v/v) at a concentration of 109 CFU/mL, using the pricking method. After infection, larvae were kept with diet at 25 ◦ C for 24 h. Then, hemolymph samples were extracted from larvae, cells were removed and CFF samples, added with PTU crystals, were diluted with PBS (1:10). For the analysis, 0.45mg/mL of M. lysodeikticus lyophilizate were resuspended in 0.3 M PBS, pH 6.8 and mixed for 1 min at room temperature. For each treatment, 60 µL of diluted CFF were added to 90 µL of M. Iysodeikticus suspension into a well of 96-MicroWell™ plate. As a control, a suspension of M. lysodeikticus (90 µL) plus PBS (60 µL) was used, and a PBS (90 µL) plus hemolymph sample (60 µL) was used as a blank for each treatment. The activity of lysozyme was assessed immediately using a microplate-Reader (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA) and absorbance variations were recorded every min for 10 min at 450 nm. For each treatment, 40 larvae were used, and the experiment was repeated three times. 2.7. Analysis by Tricine-PAGE and Activity of AMPs We analyzed changes in proteins and peptides patterns in hemolymph samples (especially in CFF) of D. suzukii larvae using the electrophoretic separation by Tricine-SDS-PAGE methodology [42]. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of these CFF samples was evaluated with bacteria growth tests. Insects 2020, 11, 210 5 of 19 Larvae of D. suzukii were infected using the pricking method with a bacterial suspension of X. nematophila and E. coli/M. luteus mixture 1:1 (v/v) at a concentration of 109 CFU/mL. Larvae were kept in rearing conditions for 24 h. Then, the hemolymph from naïve infected X. nematophila and E. coli/M. luteus infected larvae was extracted. From these CFF samples, we carried out the analysis for the presence of putative AMPs molecules and the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity. For the electrophoretic separations, hemolymph was fractioned by Amicon® Ultrafilters (Millipore, Burlington, MA, USA) cut-off 30 KDa and precipitated with trichloroacetic acid (20% V/V). Then, samples were resuspended in 1× Tricine-PAGE sample buffer [42] and denatured for 5 min at 100 ◦ C. Electrophoresis was carried by a vertical PROTEAN® II xi Cell (Bio-Rad) at 50 V (constant voltage) overnight. Protein patterns were detected by Silver Staining. For the antimicrobial activity, CFF samples were centrifuged at 1700× g for 15 min and fractioned <30 kDa; E. coli, M. luteus, and X. nematophila cultures were diluted to a final concentration of 106 CFU/mL with culture broth. For each treatment, 20 µL of CFF sample were added to 180 µL of bacteria culture. To evaluate the expected bacterial growth, 20 µL of PBS were added to the bacteria culture (180 µL). All samples were incubated for 3 h under shaking at the optimal growth temperature of the tested bacterium. After incubation, 100 µL of each sample was placed in a well of a 96-MicroWell™ plate and samples were serially diluted with phosphate buffer (61.4 mM K2 HPO4 , 38.4 mM H2 PO4 ). Each dilution was plated on solid agar and incubated for 24 h more. Finally, bacteria colonies were counted. The antibacterial activity in hemolymph samples was intended as a percentage of bacterial survival compared with the control (bacterial suspension incubated without D. suzukii hemolymph). The final concentration of hemolymph total proteins used in the antimicrobial activity tests was 3.3 µg/µL. For each analysis and treatment, hemolymph of 40 larvae was extracted and the experiment was done three times. 2.8. Phagocytic Activity Assay Phagocytic activity of D. suzukii hemocytes was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro in the presence of X. nematophila. For the in vivo assay, 60 larvae of D. suzukii were infected with X. nematophila-GFP (104 CFU/50nL). Microinjections were performed by a Drummond Nanoject II nanoliter injector (Drummond Scientific Company, PA, USA). As a positive control, 60 larvae were injected with 50 nl (1 mg/mL) of a suspension of pHrodo® Red Staphylococcus aureus Bioparticles® -Conjugate (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA, USA). Larvae were kept in rearing conditions and hemolymph was collected after 2 h. Extracted hemolymph with hemocytes was added to Schnëider medium in 96-MicroWell™ (Thermofisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) plates (final concentration 2 × 105 cells/mL) and incubated for 30 min at 25 ◦ C in the dark. To evaluate the phagocytic activity of hemocytes, after adhesion, cells were observed under a fluorescence microscope. For in vitro assay, hemolymph of 40 naïve larvae was extracted and hemocytes were plated in 96-MicroWell™ plates at a concentration of 2 × 105 cells/mL in Schnëider medium. To allow cells to adhere to the substrate, plates were incubated for 1 h at 25 ◦ C in the dark. Then, 5 µL (103 CFU) of X. nematophila-GFP or S. aureus-pHrodo® were added to cells and incubated for 4 h at 25 ◦ C. After incubation, cells were observed under a fluorescence microscope to assess the phagocytic activity of hemocytes. Both experiments were performed three times. 2.9. In Vitro Encapsulation Assay We assessed the ability of the hemocytes of D. suzukii larvae to recognize and encapsulate S. carpocapsae with an in vitro assay performed with three treatments. Alive IJs were used to test the physiological response of the host immune cells to the presence of the nematode. To exclude that unrecognition could be caused by active secretions, cold-killed nematodes were incubated with hemocytes. Besides, to investigate a possible mimetic function of the body-surface of S. carpocapsae, we modified the nematode cuticle using lipase enzyme treatment. Insects 2020, 11, 210 6 of 19 Hemocytes from naïve larvae were extracted and plated with Schnëider medium in a 96-MicroWell™ plate (2 × 105 cells/mL). Then, 5–10 nematodes per treatment (alive, cold-killed, or lipase-treated dead) were added to the microwells and incubated in a climate chamber at 25 ◦ C. As positive control to evaluate encapsulation capability, we added 10–15 agarose beads (DEAE Sepharose® ) into wells. Encapsulation processes were monitored at different times along 24 h with an inverted fluorescence microscope. Each treatment was performed three times. 2.10. Hemocytes Populations Count after Natural Infection To evaluate the in vivo ability of D. suzukii hemocytes to recognize and isolate S. carpocapsae, we carried out encapsulation assays by a natural infection. Concurrently, total and differential cell counts (plasmatocytes, lamellocytes, and crystal cells) were performed to assess any possible variation of cell populations after nematode infection. Ten larvae were placed in a Petri dish (3 cm diameter) filled with filter paper and exposed to S. carpocapsae (50 IJs cm−2 ) for 20 h. The control treatment was carried out with sterile tap water. To detach any adherent cells from the hemocoel cavity, larvae were gently brushed, and then washed with PBS [43]. An incision was done behind the mandibles and all hemolymph (approximately 2 µL) was bled in 48 µL of buffered PTU (saturated PTU diluted 1:4 in PBS). After bleeding, hemolymph content of each separated larvae was observed under the microscope, to detect the presence and number of nematodes inside the larvae, cell encapsulation processes, and the possible presence of symbiotic bacteria released in the hemolymph. Depending on the phase of infection, larvae were divided into two groups: early infection (only nematodes were present) or midterm infection (bacteria were released). Total hemocyte count was made applying the diluted hemolymph into the hemocytometer (Neubauer chamber, Brand® ). The cell counts were performed immediately by determining the total number of cell populations and the number of different types of hemocytes identified. For each treatment, ten larvae were evaluated, and the experiment was done twice. 2.11. Statistical Analysis To analyze the differences in enzymatic activity of proPO and lysozyme, a General Linear Model (GLM) analysis has been used to ascertain differences among the tested samples. GLM was also used to elucidate differences among CFF samples of their antimicrobial activity against different bacterial cultures. Hemocyte counts were measured as the number of cells/µL of hemolymph and differences among treatments were analyzed with GLMs. For all experiments, when the GLM was significant, differences were evaluated by Tukey test and means without transformation (±SD) are presented. All statistical analyses were performed with the R studio software (version 1.0.153) [44], and any comparison was considered significant if the p-value was < 0.05. 3. Results 3.1. proPO System Relative Activity in the Host Hemolymph The relative activity of phenoloxidase enzyme in D. suzukii samples was evaluated by recording spectrophotometrically the formation of dopachrome (Figure 1, Figure S1, and Table S1). Insects 2020, 11, 210 7 of 19 Insects 2020, 11, 210 7 of 20 Figure 1. Phenoloxidase relative activity in the hemolymph of D. suzukii shown as the mean ± SD increase Figure 1. of absorbance, recorded Phenoloxidase at 0 andin relative activity 45the minhemolymph (= 490 nm), ofin D. hemolymph samples suzukii shown from as the naïve mean (N), ± SD control pricked (CP), X. nematophila-infected (InfX) and E. coli/B. subtilis-infected (InfB) increase of absorbance, recorded at 0 and 45 min (= 490 nm), in hemolymph samples from naïve (N),larvae. Different letters indicate control prickedstatistical (CP), X. significance differences(InfX) nematophila-infected between andhemolymph samples (p < 0.05). E. coli/B. subtilis-infected (InfB) larvae. Different letters indicate statistical significance differences between hemolymph samples (p < 0.05). Samples from naïve larvae (N), control pricked larvae (CP), infected larvae with X. nematophila (InfX) and infected Samples from naïve with E.(N), larvaelarvae coli/B. subtilis control (InfB)larvae pricked were analyzed. The absorbance (CP), infected larvae withvalues recorded X. nematophila showed no significant difference between naïve and control pricked larvae. (InfX) and infected larvae with E. coli/B. subtilis (InfB) were analyzed. The absorbance valuesThese values represent the physiological recorded showed activity of the enzyme no significant difference until the formation between naïve and of all dopachrome control pricked (time 45These larvae. min). values Larvae infected with represent X. nematophilaactivity the physiological presented similar of the enzyme values to both until naïve andofcontrol the formation larvae at 0 (time all dopachrome min, but 45 min). Larvae infected with X. nematophila presented similar values to both naïve and controlafter the presence of symbiotic bacteria produced an inhibition of phenoloxidase activity 45 min the larvae start at of reaction. 0 min, The enzyme but the presence showed a bacteria of symbiotic significantly minor an produced activity compared inhibition to the other hemolymph of phenoloxidase activity 45 F = 42, df = 7, p < 0.001). In contrast, the proPO system of D. suzukii min after the start of reaction. The enzyme showed a significantly minor activity comparedresulted samples (GLM: larvae to the in E. coli other and B. subtilis hemolymph samples infection (GLM:showing F = 42, df a= significantly high 7, p < 0.001). In increase contrast, theof absorbance proPO systematof0D. min after suzukii hemolymph larvae resultedextraction. in E. coli and B. subtilis infection showing a significantly high increase of absorbance at 0 min after hemolymph extraction. 3.2. Lysozyme Activity after Bacterial Infection The assays 3.2. Lysozyme of lysozyme Activity activity after Bacterial in the hemolymph of naïve D. suzukii larvae showed extremely Infection −1 −1 low activity (1 × 10 Units mL ). Moreover, those infected with X. nematophila also presented a low The assays of lysozyme activity−1 in the hemolymph of naïve D. suzukii larvae showed extremely level of activity (1.1−1× 10−1 Units mL ). Only after infection with E. coli and M. luteus, a slight increase low activity (1 × 10 Units mL ). Moreover, those −1 infected with X. nematophila also presented a low in the enzyme activity was recorded (1.3 × 10−2 Units mL−1 ). Nevertheless, lysozyme activity in the level of activity (1.1 × 10−1 Units mL−1). Only after infection with E. coli and M. luteus, a slight increase hemolymph of D. suzukii larvae was not significantly stimulated by the infection of X. nematophila or in the enzyme activity was recorded (1.3 × 10-2 Units mL−1). Nevertheless, lysozyme activity in the the bacterial mixture of E. coli and M. luteus (GLM: F = 0.12, df = 2, p = 0.81). hemolymph of D. suzukii larvae was not significantly stimulated by the infection of X. nematophila or the 3.3.bacterial Analysis mixture of E. coliand by Tricine-PAGE andActivity M. luteus (GLM: F = 0.12, df = 2, p = 0.81). of AMPs Electrophoretic 3.3. Analysis separation by Tricine-PAGE andofActivity fractioned CFF (<30 kDa) showed proteins and peptide patterns of of AMPs hemolymph samples from naïve and infected larvae (Figure 2). Electrophoretic separation of fractioned CFF (<30 kDa) showed proteins and peptide patterns of hemolymph samples from naïve and infected larvae (Figure 2). Insects2020, Insects 2020,11,11, 210210 8 8ofof1920 Figure2. 2. Figure Tricine-SDS-PAGE Tricine-SDS-PAGE (16%)(16%) of hemolymph of hemolymph samples. samples. PatternsPatterns of low molecular of low molecular weight weight proteins proteins (<30 kDa) of hemolymph from naïve (N) and E. coli/M. luteus-infected (InfB) larvae; (<30 kDa) of hemolymph from naïve (N) and E. coli/M. luteus-infected (InfB) larvae; standard molecular standard molecular weights weights marker (St). marker (St). Full arrowheads Full arrowheads indicate indicate newly newly synthesized synthesized bands and thebands andan arrow theincreased arrow an increased band, band,after observed observed afterinfection. bacterial bacterial infection. Empty arrowheads Empty arrowheads indicatedindicated disappeared disappeared peptidespeptides after after bacterial infection. bacterial infection. InInnaïve naïvelarvae larvaeCFF, four CFF, main four bands main werewere bands present and two present andoftwothem of disappear in the infected them disappear larvae in the infected sample larvae (Figure sample2,(Figure empty arrowhead). Moreover, peptides 2, empty arrowhead). Moreover, pattern peptides D. suzukii frompattern larvae from D. infected with suzukii larvae X.infected nematophila with(Figure S2) and infected X. nematophila (Figure with the mixture S2) and infected of E. coli/M. with luteus showed the mixture newlyluteus of E. coli/M. synthesized showed ornewly quantitatively synthesizedincreased peptides of low or quantitatively molecular increased weight peptides of(Figure 2, full arrowheads). low molecular Five 2, weight (Figure mainfull bands, rangingFive arrowheads). frommain 5 to 16 kDa,ranging bands, absent in CFF5 from from naïveabsent to 16 kDa, larvaein (Figure 2, N), CFF from werelarvae naïve observable (Figurein2, samples N), were from treated larvae observable (Figure in samples 2, InfB). from Moreover, treated a band 2, larvae (Figure of InfB). about Moreover, 16 kDa, increased a band inof samples about 16 from kDa,infected larvae increased in (Figure samples 2, InfB, from arrow). infectedThe infection larvae with2,X.InfB, (Figure nematophila arrow). (Figure S2) and E.with The infection coli/M. X. luteus resulted nematophila in the S2) (Figure disappearance of two and E. coli/M. peptides luteus resulted(Figure in the 2, N, empty arrowheads). disappearance of two peptides (Figure 2, N, empty arrowheads). of the peptides pattern, the antimicrobial activity in the hemolymph was After identification analyzedAfterby identification co-incubation of of CFF the samples peptideswith pattern, cultures of E. coli, the antimicrobial bacterial M. luteus, activity in theand X. nematophila. hemolymph was analyzedgrowth Bacterial by co-incubation of CFF samples (CFU/mL) represented with correlation a negative bacterial cultures of AMPs of activity E. coli, present M. luteus, and X. in larvae nematophila.ofBacterial hemolymph growthwith naïve, infected X. nematophila (CFU/mL) represented a negative and infected E. coli/M. luteus withcorrelation of AMPs activity (Figure present 3, Table S2). in larvae As therehemolymph of naïve, was significant infected higher with X. nematophila proliferation and infected of all bacteria incubated with E. coli/M. with luteus (Figure naive hemolymph 3, Table S2). compared to buffer incubation (PBS), we evaluated the bacterial mortality percentage assuming as 100% the data obtained with naive hemolymph samples (Table S3). CFF samples from larvae infected with X. nematophila reduced significantly the bacterial growth of E. coli to 6.11 × 107 CFU/mL and M. luteus to 3.86 × 107 CFU/mL. These results showed a degree of antimicrobial activity in hemolymph against both bacteria strains with 55.0% and 41.5% of mortality respectively (Table S3). However, CFF samples of E. coli/M. luteus-infected larvae presented a drastic antimicrobial effect against E. coli (1.06 × 107 CFU/mL) causing mortality of 92.2% and 76.1% against M. luteus (1.58 × 107 CFU/mL). In contrast, when tested on X. nematophila the recorded mortality was markedly lower (17.2%) (Table S3). Thus, CFF from larvae infected with X. nematophila showed antimicrobial activity against the three bacterial cultures tested, although lower than the obtained after E. coli/M. luteus infection. Insects 2020, 11, 210 9 of 19 Insects 2020, 11, 210 9 of 20 Figure3. Figure 3. Antimicrobial Antimicrobial activity activity of of D. D. suzukii suzukii hemolymph hemolymph after after bacterial bacterial infection infection evaluated through co-incubation with E. co-incubation E. coli, coli,M.M.luteus, luteus,and andX.X.nematophila. nematophila. HostHost hemolymph hemolymph samples werewere samples from from PBS- control (PBS), PBS-control naïve (PBS), larvae naïve (N),(N), larvae infected with infected X. X. with nematophila nematophila(InfX), (InfX),and andwith withE.E.coli/M. coli/M.luteus luteus (InfB). (InfB). Survival of Survival of E. E. coli, coli, M. M. luteus, luteus, and and X.X. nematophila nematophila are are shown shown as as the themean mean±± SD SD of of CFU/ml. CFU/ml. Different letterson letters onthethebars bars represent represent statistically statistically significant significant differences differences among among each each antimicrobial antimicrobial sample.sample. GLM GLM of E. coli: F =coli: of E. 8.39,F df = 3, pdf = 8.39, = 0.007; = 3, p GLM = 0.007; GLM of M. of M. luteus: F =luteus: df ==21.73, 21.73, F 3, p < 0.001; df = 3,GLM p < 0.001; GLM of X. of X. nematophila: = 3.66, df =F2,= p3.66, Fnematophila: = 0.091. df = 2, p = 0.091. 3.4. Phagocytic Activity As there was Assay higher proliferation of all bacteria incubated with naive hemolymph significant compared Duringto inbuffer vivoincubation (PBS),assay, phagocytosis we evaluated hemolymphthe bacterial of D. mortality percentage suzukii larvae assuming injected with as X. 100% the data obtained with naive hemolymph samples (Table nematophila-GFP was extracted and monitored by fluorescence microscopy. S3). CFF samples from larvae infected withToX.evaluate nematophila reduced significantly the phagocytosis capabilitythe of bacterial hemocytes,growth of E. coli we carried out to in 6.11 vivo×assays 107 CFU/mL using S.and M. aureus luteus ® to 3.86 × 10 7 CFU/mL. These results showed a degree of antimicrobial pHrodo -conjugated which fluorescence was activated only at acidic pH (inside phagolysosomes).activity in hemolymph against both bacteria Staphylococcus strains with aureus-pHrodo was 55.0% and 41.5% effectively of mortality engulfed respectively by host cells (Table by as confirmed S3).the However, intense CFF samplesof fluorescence ofthe E. coli/M. probe luteus-infected (pHrodo) (Figure larvae presented 4, A1, a drastic left). Besides, inantimicrobial the bright field,effect against E.ofcoli hemocytes D. (1.06 × 10 7 CFU/mL) causing mortality of 92.2% and 76.1% against M. luteus (1.58 × 107 CFU/mL). In suzukii were properly adhered to the substrate and are viable and showing a morphology typical of contrast, cells whenengulfed that have tested on X. nematophila (Figure the recorded 4, A1, right). Otherwise, mortality hemocyteswasseemmarkedly lower to to be unable (17.2%) (Table phagocytize S3). X. Thus, CFF from(Figure nematophila-GFP larvae 4,infected with A2, left); X. the both nematophila elongated showed antimicrobial rod shape and swipes activity of theagainst symbiontthe three bacterial cultures tested, although lower than the obtained after E. coli/M. luteus bacteria, indicate their extracellular localization. The entomopathogenic bacteria, in addition to not infection. being phagocytized, seem to have cytotoxic effects on the host hemocytes, affecting the morphology 3.4. of thePhagocytic Activity cells (Figure S3).Assay Besides, Figure 4 (A2, right) shows the micrograph obtained by combining fluorescence and phase contrast, assay, During in vivo phagocytosis in which the extracellular hemolymph location of D. suzukii ofinjected larvae the symbiont with X.bacteria can nematophila- be detected. GFP was extracted and monitored by fluorescence microscopy. Insects 2020, 11, 210 10 of 19 Insects 2020, 11, 210 10 of 20 Figure 4.4.InInvivo Figure vivo(A) (A)andand in vitro in vitro (B) phagocytic (B) phagocytic activity activity of D. suzukii of D. suzukii larvae hemocytes larvae hemocytes against against bacteria. bacteria. (A1) A1:assay in vivo in vivo at assay at 2 S. 2 h with h with aureus-pHrodo TM S. aureus-pHrodo TM BioParticles ® BioParticles ; (A2); A2: ® in vivo in vivo assay assay at 2ath2with h withX. X. nematophila-GFP, nematophila-GFP, inside inside A2 right A2 right an enlargement an enlargement of theofcentral the central area ofarea theofimage. the image. B1:vitro (B1) in in vitro assay assay at 4 hatwith S. aureus-pHrodo TM BioParticles TM ® ; (B2) in in vitro assay at 4ath4with X. X. nematophila-GFP, inside B2 4 h with S. aureus-pHrodo BioParticles ®; B2: vitro assay h with nematophila-GFP, inside right an enlargement B2 right an enlargement of the central of the area central of of area thethe image. image.AllAllimages imageson onthetheright rightare arebright bright field field of of the the respective respective fluorescence fluorescencemicrographs micrographson onthe theleft. left.Images Imagesmagnification magnificationisis400×.400×. Hemocytes D. phagocytosis To evaluateofthe suzukii larvae capability establishedofinhemocytes, the in vitrowe cultures showed carried out incomparable vivo assaysresults using to S. those obtained in vivo; S. aureus-pHrodo was efficiently phagocytized (Figure 4, B1, aureus pHrodo -conjugated which fluorescence was activated only at acidic pH (inside ® left) and hemocytes phagolysosomes). Staphylococcus aureus-pHrodo was effectively engulfed by host cells as confirmed by the intense fluorescence of the probe (pHrodo) (Figure 4, A1, left). Besides, in the bright field, Insects 2020, 11, 210 11 of 19 Insects 2020, 11, 210 11 of 20 show the morphology of cells that are engulfing (Figure 4, B1, right). When X. nematophila-GFP was addedhemocytes to the culture, of D.hemocytes suzukii werewere not ableadhered properly to phagocyte to thethe symbiont substrate andbacteria as confirmed are viable by thea and showing observation of Figure morphology 4, B2, typical left and of cells thatright. have engulfed (Figure 4, A1, right). Otherwise, hemocytes seem to be unable to phagocytize X. nematophila-GFP (Figure 4, A2, left); both the elongated rod shape and 3.5. Inswipes Vitro Encapsulation of S. carpocapsae of the symbiont bacteria, indicate their extracellular localization. The entomopathogenic bacteria,encapsulation Cellular in addition to not being phagocytized, of nematocomplexes seem was to haveusing assessed cytotoxic effects in vitro on the host long-term hemocytes, co-incubation. affecting the morphology of the cells (Figure S3). Besides, Figure 4 (A2, right) Hemocyte response against S. carpocapsae alive, dead (cold-killed), or surface lipase-treated wasshows the micrograph obtained monitored by combining under an invertedfluorescence microscope andfor phase 24 h.contrast, in whichthat We observed the alive extracellular location nematodes wereof not the symbiont recognized norbacteria can be by encapsulated detected. hemocytes even after 24 h (Figure 5A,B: A1,A2,A3,A3i). Hemocytes of D. suzukii Moreover, no cellular processes larvae established directed in the against in vitro cultures S. carpocapsae wereshowed evident.comparable resultsthe We performed to those obtained in vivo; S. aureus-pHrodo was efficiently phagocytized (Figure 4, B1, left) and same experiment with cold-killed nematodes to exclude the influence of active secretions. As seen hemocytes show the morphology of cells that are engulfing (Figure 4, B1, right). When X. nematophila- before, hemocytes were unable to recognize dead IJs of S. carpocapsae and no encapsulation processes GFP was added to the culture, hemocytes were not able to phagocyte the symbiont bacteria as were observed also at long times (Figure 5A,B: B1,B2,B3,B3i). When lipase-treated nematodes were confirmed by the observation of Figure 4, B2, left and right. used, it was possible to observe a reactivity of hemocytes adhering to the body surface of the treated nematodes (Figure 3.5. In Vitro 5C,D: C1 and Encapsulation of S.C1i, C2 and C2i). After 2 h (Figure 5, C1), numerous layers of cells carpocapsae were attached to the cuticle and would contribute to the building of the cellular capsule. The abiotic Cellular encapsulation of nematocomplexes was assessed using in vitro long-term co- targets (Sepharose DEAE microbeads) used as a control presented cellular reactivity with hemocytes incubation. Hemocyte response against S. carpocapsae alive, dead (cold-killed), or surface lipase- adhered to beads and the presence of melanin clots at 12 and 24 h after incubation (Figure 5C,D: D1 treated was monitored under an inverted microscope for 24 h. We observed that alive nematodes and D2, respectively). were not recognized nor encapsulated by hemocytes even after 24 h (Figure 5A–B: A1,A2,A3,A3i). Figure 5. Cont. Insects 2020, 11, 210 12 of 19 Insects 2020, 11, 210 12 of 20 Figure 5. (A–B) In vitro encapsulation assays of S. carpocapsae by hemocytes of D. suzukii larvae. Figure 5. (A,B) In vitro encapsulation assays of S. carpocapsae by hemocytes of D. suzukii larvae. Nematodes were co-incubated with hemocytes. From top to bottom: alive nematodes at 0 h (A1), 2 h Nematodes were co-incubated with hemocytes. From top to bottom: alive nematodes at 0 h (A1), (A2) and 24 h (A3), A3i inset is an enlargement of A3. Cold-killed nematodes at 0 h (B1), 2 h (B2), and 2 h (A2) and 24 h (A3), A3i inset is an enlargement of A3. Cold-killed nematodes at 0 h (B1), 2 h 24 h (B3), B3i inset is an enlargement of B3. A1 (200×); A2, A3, B1, B2, B3 (100×). (C–D). In vitro (B2), and 24 h (B3), B3i inset is an enlargement of B3. A1 (200×); A2, A3, B1, B2, B3 (100×). (C,D). encapsulation assay of lipase treated dead nematodes at 2 h (C1) and 6 h (C2), C1i and C2i are In vitro encapsulation assay of lipase treated dead nematodes at 2 h (C1) and 6 h (C2), C1i and C2i are enlargements of the respective images. In vitro encapsulation of agarose beads, at 12 h (D1) and 24 h enlargements of the respective images. In vitro encapsulation of agarose beads, at 12 h (D1) and 24 h (D2). C1 and C2 (100×); D1 and D2 (200×). (D2). C1 and C2 (100×); D1 and D2 (200×). Insects 2020, 11, 210 13 of 19 3.6. Hemocytes Populations Count after Natural Infection Natural infection of S. carpocapsae in D. suzukii larvae showed no cellular encapsulation processes of nematodes, as we observed in the previous in vitro assay. IJs were found free without attached cells on the cuticle, even if X. nematophila was released in the hemolymph. Hemocyte counts were performed when the mean number of nematodes inside larvae was 5.9 ± 4.3 IJs. Counts were avoided when the nematode number was over 15 IJs because the massive entry of nematodes into small larvae like D. suzukii generate tissue damage quickly. Infected larvae were separated in the early phase or midterm phase of infection if bacteria were released. Larvae in the early phase were mostly still alive (95%), while 30% of larvae were alive in the midterm phase. Total hemocytes count showed a high number of immunocompetent cells (2.63 × 104 cells/µl) in naive D. suzukii larvae hemolymph (Table 1). Table 1. * Evaluation of hemocytes population (mean ± SD) of total and differential count of three D. suzukii larvae treatments: naïve larvae (no infected), early phase of infection (with only nematode presence) and midterm phase of infection (nematode and bacterial presence). Different letters indicate statistically significant differences among treatments for each cell type (p < 0.05). Hemocyte Number/µL of Hemolymph * Treatment Plasmatocytes Lamellocytes Crystal Cells Total Hemocytes Naїve 25446.88 ± 4358.13 a 195.63 ± 49.88 a 677.50 ± 296.88 a 26320.00 ± 4311.47 a Early phase 18676.88 ± 3676.56 b 564.38 ± 156.24 b 745.00 ± 184.04 a 19986.25 ± 3733.23 b Midterm phase 20293.75 ± 3790.60 b 183.75 ± 54.73 a 841.88 ± 341.27 a 21319.38 ± 3791.21 b Nevertheless, infected larvae showed a significant decrease in total hemocytes in the early and midterm phase of infection (GLM: F = 14.26, df = 2, p = 0.000). Plasmatocytes constituted the major fraction of hemocytes and presented a decrease in both phases of infection, as total hemocytes (GLM: F = 16, df = 2, p = 0.000). In naïve larvae, lamellocytes represent a very small fraction of immune cells but during the early phase of infection, the amount of lamellocytes increased significantly (GLM: F = 93.99, df = 2, p = 0.000). During the midterm phase, the bacteria were released, and we observed the attachment of lamellocytes and plasmatocytes with themselves, becoming big aggregations (Figure 6A,B). Due to the difficulty of counting only free cells were considered. In consequence, lamellocytes level decreased Insects 2020, 11, 210 14 of 20 showing no significant difference with naïve value. Figure6. Figure 6. (A) (A) Plasmatocytes Plasmatocytes (P) (P) aggregation aggregation in in in in vivo vivo encapsulation encapsulation assay assay during during the the midterm midterm phase phase ofinfection. of infection. (B) (B) Aggregation Aggregation of of hemocytes hemocytes next next to to aa circulant circulant lamellocyte lamellocyte (L). (L). Image Image magnification magnification is is 400×. 400×. Nevertheless, IJs were not found close to these cell aggregations. The only hemocytes population that seemed unaffected by nematode infection were the crystal cells. Neither nematode nor bacterial infection altered the number of crystal cells that remained constant in all assays (GLM: F = 1.71, df = 2, p = 0.188). 4. Discussion D. suzukii represents a major threat to berry, cherry, and strawberry production as a globally invasive pest. This fly belongs to the melanogaster subgroup, as well as Drosophila melanogaster Insects 2020, 11, 210 14 of 19 Nevertheless, IJs were not found close to these cell aggregations. The only hemocytes population that seemed unaffected by nematode infection were the crystal cells. Neither nematode nor bacterial infection altered the number of crystal cells that remained constant in all assays (GLM: F = 1.71, df = 2, p = 0.188). 4. Discussion D. suzukii represents a major threat to berry, cherry, and strawberry production as a globally invasive pest. This fly belongs to the melanogaster subgroup, as well as Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), which immune response to EPNs is widely studied as an insect model [18,43]. In contrast, few immunological studies have been conducted with D. suzukii and only focused on the parasitoid response. Poyet et al. [33] described a strong immune reaction against the parasitoid L. heterotoma, which leads to the encapsulation of wasp eggs. Even if D. suzukii larvae and adults are susceptible to nematodes [36], no immunological studies on the relationships between these pests and EPNs have been made before; consequently, we evaluated humoral and cellular responses upon infection of S. carpocapsae and X. nematophila. The fastest defense of insect larvae is the activation of the phenoloxidase cascade. The symbiont bacteria X. nematophila showed an inhibitory effect on the host proPO system, with levels of phenoloxidase activity lower than naïve larvae. In contrast, E. coli and B. subtilis infection registered higher activity. These results agree with those obtained comparing the melanization rate of D. melanogaster infected with symbiont and axenic S. carpocapsae [45]. These authors reported that in the presence of X. nematophila, levels of melanization were significantly lower than using the axenic nematode. The inhibitory role of this symbiont bacteria and involvement of the eicosanoid pathway has been also reported in some lepidopteran species such as Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) [28,46]. These authors related the secretion of a phospholipase A2 (PLA2 ) inhibitor with the suppression of the proPO activation in hemolymph and the alteration of cellular response. Despite no homologous genes were identified in D. melanogaster, Scarpati et al. [47] found other genes involved in eicosanoid pathway that could be functional equivalents. The assay of lysozyme activity in naïve larvae of D. suzukii showed an extremely low activity compared to other insect species such as Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) 2.28 × 103 Units mL−1 or Sarcophaga africa (Diptera) 1.04 × 102 Units mL−1 [48]. There was no significant difference when larvae were stimulated by bacteria. Thus, lysozyme activity was not triggered by the infection X. nematophila nor E. coli/M. luteus. In agreement with our results, the Drosophila genus showed to have mainly digestive lysozyme and an insignificant amount of enzyme in the hemolymph for immune defense [49]. Along with phenoloxidase and lysozyme enzymes, AMPs perform a key role in humoral defense against bacterial infection. When AMPs presence was assessed by electrophoretic separations, both bacterial infections showed comparable band patterns with newly synthesized bands compared to naïve larvae. However, the antimicrobial activity test revealed a higher activity of the bacterial mixture infected larvae as opposed to larvae infected with X. nematophila. These results suggested that there was a synthesis of putative AMPs after symbiont infection. Nevertheless, larvae infected with X. nematophila showed lower activity with respect to that from larvae infected with non-entomopathogenic bacteria. With the conducted assay, we are unable to determine the causes, although these results could suggest an active mechanism of X. nematophila to disable the activity of those peptides. Some authors attributed to symbionts bacteria the ability to down-regulate AMPs genes in S. exigua or Rynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) [50–52]. However, Peña et al. [45] reported in D. melanogaster an increased gene expression of AMPs in response to X. nematophila infection, over an infection of S. carpocapsae. Indeed, genes could be up-regulated in D. suzukii, as we detected the presence in the hemolymph of some peptides in the molecular mass range of AMPs. Although, the symbiont bacteria are known to release cytotoxic proteins and antimicrobial inhibitors to block the function of the peptides [53]. Insects 2020, 11, 210 15 of 19 In addition to the analysis of humoral responses, we have also observed interference of the nematobacterial complex with the host cellular responses. As observed, either in in vivo or in vitro assays, X. nematophila was able to avoid phagocytosis response by the host immunocompetent cells; the phagocytic capability of the hemocytes was ascertained by the assays with S. aureus. Shrestha and Kim [54] reported in S. exigua larvae that the disruption of phagocytosis and avoidance of cell reaction to bacteria was caused by the synthesis of PLA2 inhibitors by X. nematophila. Similar results were also obtained with Manduca sexta L. (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) larvae, where E. coli was engulfed more than Photorhabdus luminescens (the symbiont bacteria of H. bacteriophora) [55]. Both symbionts bacteria use inhibitor of the PLA2 ; likewise, in D. suzukii larvae, X. nematophila could implement the same strategy to avoid the host phagocytosis. Our data showed the ability of S. carpocapsae to avoid encapsulation of D. suzukii hemocytes in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Besides, nematode secretions do not seem to play a central role in the lack of encapsulation as we confirmed using dead IJs with unaltered cuticle. Encapsulation was only observed when the cuticle of nematodes was damaged after lipase treatment, suggesting an involvement of the body surface to avoid cellular recognition. Mastore et al. [26] reported similar results demonstrating a lack of encapsulation of alive and dead S. carpocapsae IJs in R. ferrugineus, although damaged cuticles of nematodes were strongly encapsulated. Furthermore, S. carpocapsae avoided the recognition by G. mellonella hemocytes while H. bacteriophora was recognized [56]. It has been described that S. carpocapsae have specific proteins in the epicuticle of IJs that provide a mimetic function to the nematode [23]; besides, in S. feltiae, disguise properties could be ascribed to lipids of the epicuticular layer, as suggested by Dunphy and Webster [57]. According to Brivio et al. [22,58], differences observed between S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae in the immunological relationships with their hosts supported the assumption that EPNs have developed peculiar immunoevasive strategies among different species. During the in vitro encapsulation assay, a lack of lamellocyte differentiation was observed and resulted in the achievement only of the first steps of an encapsulation process with the attachment of plasmatocytes to lipase-treated nematodes and agarose beads. In contrast, in vivo assays evidenced the lamellocytes differentiation process after nematode infection, causing a decrease of plasmatocytes and an increase of lamellocytes from the constitutive level. The divergence of the differentiation process between assays could be expected due to a lack of natural physiological factors during in vitro assays. Moreover, the cell counts obtained during the in vivo assay showed a high amount of hemocyte populations, in agreement with Kacsoh and Schlenke [59] who suggested that D. suzukii larvae had five times more immunocompetent cells than D. melanogaster. The results of this assay also confirmed the lack of encapsulation of S. carpocapsae despite the differentiation of lamellocytes in the early phase of infection. During the midterm phase of infection, lamellocytes–plasmatocytes aggregation prevented counting hemocytes due to large cellular aggregates whose composition was not identifiable. An important role in the strategy of S. carpocapsae is attributable to its secretions of proteases and cytotoxic compounds which induce immunosuppression to the host. Some of these secretions have been identified as serine, cysteine, metallo, and aspartic proteases involved in processes of cell aggregation, clotting response, and cellular apoptosis [25,60]. These authors reported that when S. carpocapsae infects D. melanogaster, avoids clot enlargement by means of its inhibitor sc-spn6. Unlike plasmatocytes and lamellocytes, our assay crystal cell population remained unaffected even after the nematode released the bacteria. The regular count corroborated the low levels of melanization response observed whereas those cells produced and stored the components of proPO cascade. These results confirmed the different responses of D. suzukii larvae to parasitoids as their eggs activate the proPO reaction and cause a strong loss of crystal cells [33]. Moreover, the cellular response of the fly larvae to L. heterotoma or L. boulardi eggs presented the same pattern with a significant increase of plasmatocytes and lamellocytes [33,59]. In contrast, D. suzukii larvae showed a cellular response to Asobara japonica Belokobylskij (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) eggs more similar to nematode’s reaction observed in this work, with a slight decrease of plasmatocytes and similar constitutive levels of lamellocytes after long-term parasitization [33]. Insects 2020, 11, 210 16 of 19 Our immunological approach aimed to investigate the relationship between an insect pest, such as D. suzukii and EPNs to provide an essential understanding of the strategies by which nematobacterial complexes overwhelm the host defenses. The results reported the inhibitory properties of both S. carpocapsae and X. nematophila to larvae’s immune defenses. Symbiont bacteria affected the humoral response of proPO resulting in lower levels of phenoloxidase activity. In addition, X. nematophila infection activated the synthesis of putative AMPs molecules, although their antimicrobial activity was lower than peptides produced from infections with non-entomopathogenic bacteria. Besides, the cell populations of D. suzukii were unable to phagocyte the symbiont bacteria or encapsulate S. carpocapsae IJs. The data obtained from the encapsulation assays confirmed the elusive properties of the body surface of S. carpocapsae. These results attribute to the cuticle a synergistic role with its secretions to prepare an immunologically favorable environment before the release of the symbiont in the hemocoel cavity. 5. Conclusions Along this work, S. carpocapsae and X. nematophila showed the ability to overtake the immune defenses of D. suzukii, therefore confirming the potentiality of this nematode as a biological control agent for this pest. This is the first report that addresses the physiological relationship between EPNs and D. suzukii from an immunological aspect; thus, providing a useful starting point to understand the parasite-host relationship between these organisms and help to improve the biological control of D. suzukii. Supplementary Materials: The following are available online at http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/4/210/s1. Figure S1. Time course of phenoloxidase relative activity in the hemolymph of D. suzukii, shown as mean ± SD increase of absorbance recorded every 5 min for 45 min total. Hemolymph samples were from naïve (N), control pricked (CP), X. nematophila-infected (InfX), and E. coli/B. subtilis-infected (InfB) larvae. Figure S2. The tricine-PAGE pattern of fractioned hemolymph (<30 KDa) extracted from larvae after X. nematophila infection. Even though the pattern showed some bands comparable to that observed in E. coli/M. luteus-infected larvae, this sample, tested for antimicrobial capability, revealed lower activity compared with that of larvae infected with non-entomopathogenic bacteria. Figure S3. Plated D. suzukii hemocytes from naive larvae (A) and X. nematophila infected-larvae (B). Micrographs below (B1, B2, and B3) show the altered morphology of the hemocytes with blebs (arrowheads) protruding from the cell surface. In the micrographs of healthy cells (A) lamellipodia (arrowheads) are visible. Table S1. Statistic comparison of phenoloxidase relative activity in the hemolymph of D. suzukii of Figure 1. P-value obtained in the Tukey comparison of the hemolymph samples from naïve (N), control pricked (CP), X. nematophila-infected (InfX) and E. coli/B. subtilis-infected (InfB) larvae, at 0 min and 45 min. Any comparison was considered significant if the p-value was < 0.05. Table S2. Statistic comparison of antimicrobial activity in D. suzukii hemolymph of Figure 3. p-value obtained in the Tukey comparison of the hemolymph samples from naïve (N), control (PBS), X. nematophila-infected (InfX), and E. coli/B. subtilis-infected (InfB) larvae, in coincubation with E. coli, M. luteus, or X. nematophila. Any comparison was considered significant if the p-value was < 0.05. Table S3. Mortality rate (%) of E. coli, M. luteus, and X. nematophila, when treated with D. suzukii hemolymph from larvae infected with InfB or InfX. Author Contributions: Conceived idea, A.M. and F.G.d.P.; conceptualization, M.F.B., M.M., and A.G.; methodology, M.M., A.G., and M.F.B.; investigation, A.G. and M.M.; data curation, A.G., M.M., and M.F.B.; writing—original draft preparation, A.G.; writing—review and editing, M.F.B., M.M., A.G., F.G.d.P., and A.M.; project supervision and administration, F.G.d.P. and M.F.B.; funding acquisition, F.G.d.P. and M.F.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research was supported by FEDER/Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades—Agencia Estatal de Investigación/Project (AGL2017-86770-R) and University of Insubria, FAR grant/2018. Acknowledgments: We are very grateful to Alain Givaudan for kindly providing us with the GFP-transformed Xenorhabdus strains. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. References 1. Kaya, H.K.; Gaugler, R. Entomopathogenic nematodes. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 1993, 38, 181–206. [CrossRef] 2. Boemare, N. Biology, taxonomy, and systematics of Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus. In Entomopathogenic Nematology; Gaugler, R., Ed.; CABI International: Wallingford, UK, 2002; pp. 35–56. Insects 2020, 11, 210 17 of 19 3. Snyder, H.; Stock, S.P.; Kim, S.K.; Flores-Lara, Y.; Forst, S. 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