In silico host-pathogen surface interaction of entomopathogeic fungi, Beauveria bassiana

The classical usage of myco-biocontrol agents for agricultural pests globally has involved the group entomopathogenic fungi with enhanced habitat manipulation. The classified entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana is one of the significant host with effective control on population of insect-pests. It is considered, the cuticle signifies the key point of fence contact between the fungus and the insect. Knowledge of molecular mechanisms analysed using computational methods, may define interactions that eventually can direct either to successful mycosis by the pathogen or defense by the hosts. Apart conventional experimental method, we have approached with an in-silico pipeline to define the facts of surface contact of Beauveria bassiana with its two promising hosts, Nilaparvata lugens and Sodoptera exigua. The protein sequences were retrieved and subjected to modeller followed by validated structural integrity and simulation. Later, all simulated protein structures were docked to extensively study the contact of host-pathogen that includes surface protein-protein interactions.