<i>Metarhizium brunneum</i> infection dynamics differ at the cuticle interface of susceptible and tolerant morphs of <i>Galleria mellonella</i>

In order for entomopathogenic fungi to colonize an insect host, they must first attach to, and penetrate, the cuticle layers of the integument. Herein, we explored the interactions between the fungal pathogen <i>Metarhizium brunneum</i> ARSEF 4556 and two immunologically distinct morphs, melanic (M) and non-melanic (NM), of the greater wax moth <i>Galleria mellonella</i>. We first interrogated the cuticular compositions of both insect morphs to reveal substantial differences in their physiochemical properties. Enhanced melanin accumulation, fewer hydrocarbons, and higher _L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) decarboxylase activity were evident in the cuticle of the M larvae. This "hostile" terrain proved challenging for <i>M. brunneum -</i> reflected in poor conidial attachment and germination, and elevated expression of stress-associated genes (<i>e.g., Hsp30, Hsp70</i>). Lack of adherence to the cuticle impacted negatively on the speed of kill and overall host mortality; a dose of 10⁷ conidia killed ~30% of M larvae over a 12-day period, whereas a 100-fold lower dose (10⁵ conidia) achieved a similar result for NM larvae. Candidate gene expression patterns between the insect morphs indicated that M larvae are primed to "switch-on" immunity-associated genes (e.g., phenoloxidase) within 6-12 h of conidia exposure and can sustain a "defense" response. Critically, <i>M. brunneum</i> responds to the distinct physiochemical cues of both hosts and adjusts the expression of pathogenicity-related genes accordingly (e.g., <i>Pr2, Mad1, Mad2</i>). We reveal previously uncharacterized mechanisms of attack and defence in fungal-insect antibiosis.