AsSPRN6 Expression Requires Signaling via the Lumenal
Surface of the Midgut Epithelium
The midgut epithelium consists of a single cell layer. On the
lumenal side, epithelial cells display an extensive network of
protrusions (microvilli), while the basal side is made of a complex
invagination network (basal labyrinth) and a basal lamina exposed
to the circulating hemolymph. The experiments outlined above
examined AsSRPN6 immune activation following bacteria exposure
to the lumenal side of the epithelium via feeding. To
investigate the signaling requirements needed for AsSRPN6
activation, we sought to determine if bacterial exposure to the
basal midgut surface was also capable of AsSRPN6 induction.
Following the injection of bacteria into the mosquito hemocoel,