SLC44A2 and infection: possesses intrinsic antioxidant capacity, which not only significantly improves the survival of B. xylophilus under oxidative stress, but also upregulates the expression of nematode antioxidant enzyme genes (e.g., Bxy-ctl-1 and Bxy-ctl-2), thereby enhancing its ability to counteract host defenses and promoting successful colonization and survival during early infection [39].