Cry-Like PirABvp toxins of <i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i> : Structural homology and their role in the pathogenesis of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in shrimp

Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), also known as Early Mortality Syndrome, caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus harboring PirABVP genes, has emerged as a highly lethal bacterial infection threatening global shrimp aquaculture, primarily affecting Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon . The current review provided an in-depth analysis of the genetic diversity among V. parahaemolyticus strains, categorizing pathogenic strains according to the presence of pirABVP genes. Investigations into toxin structures and mechanisms, corresponding to domains I, II, and III of the Cry protein, highlighted their critical role in disease progression and offered valuable insights for targeted mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the review highlights the role of horizontal gene transfer in spreading virulent plasmids among different Vibrio species, and even to non- Vibrio species, influencing disease dynamics. These insights into virulence mechanisms paved the crucial molecular for developing diagnostics therapeutics, and preventive strategies to safeguard shrimp aquaculture globally.