Figure 2.

Schematic representation of the interaction between EPF and the insect immune system during the penetration and intra-hemolymph growth phase. Appressoria achieve turgidity and generate penetration pegs. EPF deploy extracellular hydrolytic enzymes to breach the cuticle. Hyphal bodies can produce insecticidal and immunosuppressive metabolites (ISMs), which can deactivate or degrade PPOs, and suppress AMP gene expression. Hyphal bodies can initiate cellular and humoral responses as well as activating the PPO cascade in the compromised insect.