Dual Guardians of Immunity: FoRab10 and FoRab29 in Confer Resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Orthotospovirus.

Rab GTPase is critical for autophagy processes and is implicated in insect immunity against viruses. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of in the autophagic regulation of antiviral defense against tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) in . Transcriptome analysis revealed the downregulation of in viruliferous nymph and adults of in response to TSWV infection. Manipulation of autophagy levels with 3-MA and Rapa treatments resulted in a 5- to 15-fold increase and a 38-64% decrease in viral titers, respectively. Additionally, interference with in nymphs and in adults led to a 20-90% downregulation of autophagy-related genes, a decrease in ATG8-II (an autophagy marker protein), and an increase in the TSWV titers by 1.5- to 2.5-fold and 1.3- to 2.0-fold, respectively. In addition, the leaf disk and the living plant methods revealed increased transmission rates of 20.8-41.6 and 68.3-88.3%, respectively. In conclusion, FoRab10 and FoRab29 play a role in the autophagic regulation of the antiviral defense in nymphs and adults against TSWV, respectively. These findings offer insights into the intricate immune mechanisms functional in against TSWV, suggesting potential targeted strategies for and TSWV management.