Secreted virulence factors from Heterorhabditis bacteriophora highlight its utility as a model parasite among Clade V nematodes

[Display omitted] •Entomopathogenic nematodes are excellent models for studying immunomodulation.•Entomopathogenic nematodes secrete virulence factors that promote infection.•This information is critical for advancing the biocontrol of insect pests. Much of the available knowledge of entomopathogenic virulence factors has been gleaned from studies in the nematode parasite Steinernema carpocapsae, but there is good reason to complement this knowledge with similar studies in Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Three candidate virulence factors from H. bacteriophora have recently been characterised, and each was demonstrated to contribute to infection. This information can be used not only to advance efforts in the biocontrol of insect pests, but also to make inferences about the emergence of parasitism among Clade V nematodes.