Calnexin functions in antibacterial immunity of Marsupenaeus japonicus.

•Calnexin (MjCnx) was identified in kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus.•MjCnx is upregulated in hemocytes, intestine and hepatopancreas after Vibrio anguillarum challenge.•MjCnx exists in the cytoplasm and on the surface of shrimp hemocytes.•MjCnx has binding specificity to different polysarccharides on surface of bacteria.•MjCnx can enhance bacterial clearance by promoting hemocyte phagocytosis.