Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) functions as an apoptotic adapter in mammals, recruiting caspases for death-inducing signaling complexes, while in lower animals, it interacts with IMD and DREDD to initiate antimicrobial responses. In this study, we examined the T. molitor FADD sequence (TmFADD) using molecular informatics methods to understand its involvement in the host's immune response against microorganisms. Knocking down TmFADD transcripts resulted in increased susceptibility of T. molitor larvae to E. coli, underscoring the significance of FADD in insect defense mechanisms and providing valuable insights into insect immunity.

• Keunho Yun(Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University)
• Su Hyeon Hwang(Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University)
• Ji Hyeon Kim(Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University)
• Ho Am Jang(Department of Biology, Soonchunhyang University)
• Yong Seok Lee(Department of Biology, Soonchunhyang University)
• Yong Hun Jo(Department of Biology, Soonchunhyang University)
• Yeon Soo Han(Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University)