Mj-DWD, a double WAP domain-containing protein with antiviral relevance in Marsupenaeus japonicus

The Mj-DWD (Marsupenaeus japonicus’ double-WAP domains) gene was originally found up-regulated in virus-resistant shrimp M. japonicus by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). The full-length cDNA of Mj-DWD encodes a novel protein containing a KGD (Lys–Gly–Asp) motif and double WAP domains. Performed by quantitative real-time PCR, the expression level of Mj-DWD gene was consistently maintained at a high level in the newly prepared virus-resistant shrimp compared to the normal one. In addition, the Mj-DWD gene was also found to be rapidly up-regulated by WSSV infection during the early phase. Furthermore, the recombinant Mj-DWD, expressed by Pichia pastoris, showed specific protease inhibitory activity on Bacillus subtilis. These findings suggest that Mj-DWD plays an important role in the host defence system against WSSV infection in M. japonicus, possibly through its protease inhibitory activity.