Engineering Immunity in the Silkworm Bombyx mori: Genetic and Biotechnological Advances
Anna Kaushik
*
Department of Sericulture, FC&RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India.
Ishani Borthakur
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, 785013, India.
Juhi Gupta
Department of Microbiology, University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, 793101, India.
Symphony Kashyap
State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Silkworm health is a critical factor in sustaining sericulture, yet recurring outbreaks of viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan pathogens continue to undermine productivity and farmer livelihoods worldwide. To address this, recent research has expanded understanding of the innate immune system of Bombyx mori and its potential for genetic improvement. This review consolidates advances in immune biology, detailing barrier defenses, hemocyte-mediated cellular activities, and humoral responses such as antimicrobial peptides and phenoloxidase cascades. Molecular processes including pattern recognition, signaling networks, stress proteins, and RNA interference are also examined as key components shaping pathogen resistance. On the applied front, progress in transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenetics is uncovering genetic markers and regulatory mechanisms linked to resilience. Complementing this, biotechnology-driven tools, such as CRISPR/Cas genome editing, RNAi-based approaches, and transgenic expression systems offer new avenues for enhancing disease resistance. By linking these molecular insights with breeding and selection programs, the review outlines strategies for building robust silkworm strains. In doing so, it provides a comprehensive synthesis that connects fundamental immunology with practical breeding innovations. Beyond technical progress, the discussion underscores the importance of harmonized regulatory policies and farmer-oriented extension support for translating research into field-level solutions. Finally, the review identifies knowledge gaps and emphasizes the role of integrated multi-omics, synthetic biology, and supportive regulatory frameworks in advancing disease management and securing the future of sericulture.
Keywords: Silkworm diseases, pathogen resistance, innate immunity, breeding programs, nuclear polyhedrosis virus, Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)