The white spot syndrome virus protein WSV181 can stop a key defense system in fruit flies called the JAK/STAT pathway, making it easier for viruses to multiply. By studying infected flies and shrimp, scientists found that WSV181 lowers the activity of certain genes involved in fighting viruses, leading to more viral growth. This research shows how WSV181 helps the virus avoid being attacked by the host's immune system, allowing it to stay in the body for longer.