Entomopathogenic bacteria are essential sources for biological control of agricultural and forestry pests. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an important entomopathogenic bacterium, which achieved a huge success in biological pesticide application around the world as they are effective in pests purging while safe for humans and livestock and environmental friendly. Bt mainly produces insecticidal crystal proteins(Cry), and vegetative insecticidal proteins(Vip). Approximately 150 types of Vip toxoids have been identified so far. Vip toxoids are considered as new generation insecticidal proteins due to the absence of homology and cross-resistance with the classic Cry toxoid and their differences between binding receptors. However, compared with the in-depth study and extensive application of Cry proteins, the study on Vip proteins is still in its preliminary stage, which seriously hinders its further scientific application.

  The molecular mechanism of Vip protein’s activity and insecticidal specificity is one of our interrest. Based on our research, we hope to optimize Vip to improve its insecticidal activity and expand its insecticidal spectrum in the future.