Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is an intracellular adaptor protein involved in Toll pathway. In this study, we monitored the response of 4 key genes of the insect immune system against Beauveria bassiana JEF-007 in Tenebrio molitor using RT-PCR. To better understand the roles of Toll pathway in mealworm immune system, TmGPR and TmMyD88 was knocked down by RNAi silencing. Target gene expressions were decreased at 6 days post-dsRNA injection. Therefore, mealworms were compromised by B. bassiana JEF-007 at 6 days post-dsRNA injection. Silencing of the TmMyD88 and TmGPR resulted in reducing the resistance of the host to fungal infection. However, only dsTmMyD88 showed significant difference with dsEGFP by statistical analysis, which may be due to partial gene knock down of dsGPR. These results indicate that TmMyD88 is required in mealworms for survival against B. bassiana JEF-007.

• Mi Rong Lee(Department of Agricultural Biology, Chonbuk National University, Korea)
• Yi-Ting Yang(Department of Agricultural Biology, Chonbuk National University, Korea)
• Se Jin Lee(Department of Agricultural Biology, Chonbuk National University, Korea)
• Wang Hyu Lee(Department of Agricultural Biology, Chonbuk National University, Korea)
• Jae Su Kim(Department of Agricultural Biology, Chonbuk National University, Korea, Plant Medical Research Center, Chonbuk National University, Korea)