“The aim of Infiltrator is to send a message. These megafauna-worshipping fools have forgotten who truly rules the biosphere; I aim to make them remember.” -Dr. ███████████████, Infiltrator project lead microbiologist

Infiltrator hybriphaganax (“Hybrid-eating infiltrator”) is a counter-bioweapon developed by ██████████ for the purpose of targeting and eliminating the Indominus rex population of Isla Nublar. A microscopic endoparasite was chosen as the project goal for ease of transport, introduction, and spread. Confirmed genetic hegemony in the Indominus population renders all individuals equally susceptible to infection and death by the parasite.

Infiltrator spores are introduced to the environment via aerial spraying onto plants, where they are eaten by local herbivores. There, they remain dormant until the intermediate host is eaten by Indominus, which triggers Infiltrator’s maturation into a triactinomyxon-like form. Upon infection, Infiltrator takes up residence in the host’s cartilage and nervous tissue. There, they reproduce sexually, producing more spores. The parasite weakens the host’s immune system by inhibiting and killing white blood cells. Infected individuals succumb to neurological issues and skeletal deformity, especially juveniles. Additionally, some individuals die from opportunistic infection facilitated by a weakened immune system. Spores are deposited back into the environment through both feces and decomposing Indominus, ready to begin the cycle anew.

BASE GENOME 

Myxobolus cerebralis(1) - One of the best-characterized myxosporeans and the cause of whirling disease in farmed fish. This parasitic cnidarian jumps through multiple hosts throughout the course of its life cycle - perfect for moving up the food chain and into the unsuspecting jaws of Indominus.

AUXILIARY GENES

Brachylaima rhomboideus(2) - Genes from this helminth parasite of the short-tailed shrew allow Infiltrator to survive the high temperature environment of its host.

Mesocestoides spp.(3) - Though much remains to be known about the life cycle of this worm, it is known that its main hosts are carnivorous and that it is able to invade reptilian hosts. Genes from these species improve transfer of Infiltrator up the food chain and compatibility with reptile hosts.

Echinococcus granulosis (Dog Tapeworm) - The Antigen B lipoprotein produced by this tapeworm impairs the function of dendritic cells(4): the immune cells responsible for processing and presenting foreign material to the rest of the immune system. This trait allows Infiltrator to avoid early detection by its host and establish a foothold in the body. Other genes from this tapeworm allow Infiltrator spores to be spread through Indominus droppings.

Stichodactyla helianthus (Sun Anemone) - This anemone produces a protein known as ShK, which has been shown to impair memory T cell function(5). The necessary genes were added to Infiltrator to partially shut down adaptive immune function in the host.

Schistosoma mansoni - This species of worm produces products that induce apoptosis in several cells of the immune system, including CD4 and CD8 T cells(6). Additionally, it can absorb host MHCI to facilitate further host immune evasion(7). These genes were implemented in Infiltrator for further host immune system evasion and shutdown.

SOURCES CITED

(1)https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/WhirlingDiseaseFactSheetFinal.pdf 

(2)https://www.bionames.org/bionames-archive/issn/0018-0130/48/209.pdf 

(3)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109537 

(4)https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/iai.01156-06 

(5)https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1096/fj.14-251967 

(6)https://sci-hub.st/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/parasitology/article/abs/helminthinduced-apoptosis-a-silent-strategy-for-immunosuppression/E36666A7A6BC1764E7C6BAF4CD459A12# 

(7)https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.624178/full

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This is my submission for the Goji Center Hybrid Wars. Though I initially had no intention of entering, I realized the seemingly untapped potential of a microscopic hybrid for its ability to multiply in a short amount of time and force its foe to use an often unappreciated set of weapons: the immune system. Whether it gets accepted or not, I had a ton of fun researching and designing this hybrid creature!

I'd also like to give special thanks to totallynotdeino and WaterWitch for their feedback and additional research, this hybrid wouldn't quite be the same if it weren't for their contributions.