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Omokungbe B, Centurión A, Stiehler S, Morr A, Vilcinskas A, Steinbrink A, Hardes K. Gene silencing in the aedine cell lines C6/36 and U4.4 using long double-stranded RNA. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:255. [PMID: 38863029 PMCID: PMC11167938 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) is a target-specific gene silencing method that can be used to determine gene functions and investigate host-pathogen interactions, as well as facilitating the development of ecofriendly pesticides. Commercially available transfection reagents (TRs) can improve the efficacy of RNAi. However, we currently lack a product and protocol for the transfection of insect cell lines with long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). METHODS We used agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the capacity of eight TRs to form complexes with long dsRNA. A CellTiter-Glo assay was then used to assess the cytotoxicity of the resulting lipoplexes. We also measured the cellular uptake of dsRNA by fluorescence microscopy using the fluorophore Cy3 as a label. Finally, we analyzed the TRs based on their transfection efficacy and compared the RNAi responses of Aedes albopictus C6/36 and U4.4 cells by knocking down an mCherry reporter Semliki Forest virus in both cell lines. RESULTS The TRs from Biontex (K4, Metafectene Pro, and Metafectene SI+) showed the best complexing capacity and the lowest dsRNA:TR ratio needed for complete complex formation. Only HiPerFect was unable to complex the dsRNA completely, even at a ratio of 1:9. Most of the complexes containing mCherry-dsRNA were nontoxic at 2 ng/µL, but Lipofectamine 2000 was toxic at 1 ng/µL in U4.4 cells and at 2 ng/µL in C6/36 cells. The transfection of U4.4 cells with mCherry-dsRNA/TR complexes achieved significant knockdown of the virus reporter. Comparison of the RNAi response in C6/36 and U4.4 cells suggested that C6/36 cells lack the antiviral RNAi response because there was no significant knockdown of the virus reporter in any of the treatments. CONCLUSIONS C6/36 cells have an impaired RNAi response as previously reported. This investigation provides valuable information for future RNAi experiments by showing how to mitigate the adverse effects attributed to TRs. This will facilitate the judicious selection of TRs and transfection conditions conducive to RNAi research in mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodunrin Omokungbe
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alejandra Centurión
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Stiehler
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Antonia Morr
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Antje Steinbrink
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
- BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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Zheng H, Zhao H, Xiong H, Awais MM, Zeng S, Sun J. Impact of the Transboundary Interference Inhibitor on RNAi and the Baculovirus Expression System in Insect Cells. INSECTS 2024; 15:375. [PMID: 38921090 PMCID: PMC11203448 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference inhibitors were initially discovered in plant viruses, representing a unique mechanism employed by these viruses to counteract host RNA interference. This mechanism has found extensive applications in plant disease resistance breeding and other fields; however, the impact of such interference inhibitors on insect cell RNA interference remains largely unknown. In this study, we screened three distinct interference inhibitors from plant and mammal viruses that act through different mechanisms and systematically investigated their effects on the insect cell cycle and baculovirus infection period at various time intervals. Our findings demonstrated that the viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) derived from plant and mammal viruses significantly attenuated the RNA interference effect in insect cells, as evidenced by reduced apoptosis rates, altered gene regulation patterns in cells, enhanced expression of exogenous proteins, and improved production efficiency of recombinant virus progeny. Further investigations revealed that the early expression of VSRs yielded superior results compared with late expression during RNA interference processes. Additionally, our results indicated that dsRNA-binding inhibition exhibited more pronounced effects than other modes of action employed by these interference inhibitors. The outcomes presented herein provide novel insights into enhancing defense mechanisms within insect cells using plant and mammal single-stranded RNA virus-derived interference inhibitors and have potential implications for expanding the scope of transformation within insect cell expression systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Hengfeng Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Haifan Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Mian Muhammad Awais
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Songrong Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China;
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
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3
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Agboli E, Schulze J, Jansen S, Cadar D, Sreenu VB, Leggewie M, Altinli M, Badusche M, Jöst H, Börstler J, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Schnettler E. Interaction of Mesonivirus and Negevirus with arboviruses and the RNAi response in Culex tarsalis-derived cells. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:361. [PMID: 37833743 PMCID: PMC10576325 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05985-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) comprise a variety of different virus families, some of which are known to interfere with infections of medically important arboviruses. Viruses belonging to the family Mesoniviridae or taxon Negevirus harbor several insect-specific viruses, including MSVs, which are known for their wide geographical distribution and extensive host ranges. Although these viruses are regularly identified in mosquitoes all over the world, their presence in mosquitoes in Germany had not yet been reported. METHODS A mix of three MSVs (Yichang virus [Mesoniviridae] and two negeviruses [Daeseongdong virus and Dezidougou virus]) in a sample that contained a pool of Coquillettidia richiardii mosquitoes collected in Germany was used to investigate the interaction of these viruses with different arboviruses in Culex-derived cells. In addition, small RNA sequencing and analysis of different mosquito-derived cells infected with this MSV mix were performed. RESULTS A strain of Yichang virus (Mesoniviridae) and two negeviruses (Daeseongdong virus and Dezidougou virus) were identified in the Cq. richiardii mosquitoes sampled in Germany, expanding current knowledge of their circulation in central Europe. Infection of mosquito-derived cells with these three viruses revealed that they are targeted by the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway. In Culex-derived cells, co-infection by these three viruses had varying effects on the representative arboviruses from different virus families (Togaviridae: Semliki forest virus [SFV]; Bunyavirales: Bunyamwera orthobunyavirus [BUNV]; or Flaviviridae: Usutu virus [USUV]). Specifically, persistent MSV co-infection inhibited BUNV infection, as well as USUV infection (but the latter only at specific time points). However, the impact on SFV infection was only noticeable at low multiplicity of infection (MOI 0.1) and at specific time points in combination with the infection status. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results are important findings that will lead to a better understanding of the complex interactions of MSVs, mosquitoes and arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Agboli
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Jonny Schulze
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20148, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Mayke Leggewie
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mine Altinli
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marlis Badusche
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Börstler
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20148, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Esther Schnettler
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20148, Hamburg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany.
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Chetta M, Cammarota AL, De Marco M, Bukvic N, Marzullo L, Rosati A. The Continuous Adaptive Challenge Played by Arboviruses: An In Silico Approach to Identify a Possible Interplay between Conserved Viral RNA Sequences and Host RNA Binding Proteins (RBPs). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11051. [PMID: 37446229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change and globalization have raised the risk of vector-borne disease (VBD) introduction and spread in various European nations in recent years. In Italy, viruses carried by tropical vectors have been shown to cause viral encephalitis, one of the symptoms of arboviruses, a spectrum of viral disorders spread by arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks. Arboviruses are currently causing alarm and attention, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has released recommendations to adopt essential measures, particularly during the hot season, to restrict the spreading of the infectious agents among breeding stocks. In this scenario, rapid analysis systems are required, because they can quickly provide information on potential virus-host interactions, the evolution of the infection, and the onset of disabling clinical symptoms, or serious illnesses. Such systems include bioinformatics approaches integrated with molecular evaluation. Viruses have co-evolved different strategies to transcribe their own genetic material, by changing the host's transcriptional machinery, even in short periods of time. The introduction of genetic alterations, particularly in RNA viruses, results in a continuous adaptive fight against the host's immune system. We propose an in silico pipeline method for performing a comprehensive motif analysis (including motif discovery) on entire genome sequences to uncover viral sequences that may interact with host RNA binding proteins (RBPs) by interrogating the database of known RNA binding proteins, which play important roles in RNA metabolism and biological processes. Indeed, viral RNA sequences, able to bind host RBPs, may compete with cellular RNAs, altering important metabolic processes. Our findings suggest that the proposed in silico approach could be a useful and promising tool to investigate the complex and multiform clinical manifestations of viral encephalitis, and possibly identify altered metabolic pathways as targets of pharmacological treatments and innovative therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Chetta
- U.O.C. Medical and Laboratory Genetics, A.O.R.N., Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Cammarota
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Schola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Margot De Marco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Schola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, SA, Italy
- FIBROSYS s.r.l. Academic Spin-Off, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Nenad Bukvic
- Medical Genetics Section, University Hospital Consortium Corporation Polyclinics of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Liberato Marzullo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Schola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, SA, Italy
- FIBROSYS s.r.l. Academic Spin-Off, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rosati
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Schola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, SA, Italy
- FIBROSYS s.r.l. Academic Spin-Off, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
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5
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Leggewie M, Scherer C, Altinli M, Gestuveo RJ, Sreenu VB, Fuss J, Vazeille M, Mousson L, Badusche M, Kohl A, Failloux AB, Schnettler E. The Aedes aegypti RNA interference response against Zika virus in the context of co-infection with dengue and chikungunya viruses. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011456. [PMID: 37440582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its detection in 2015 in Brazil, Zika virus (ZIKV) has remained in the spotlight of international public health and research as an emerging arboviral pathogen. In addition to single infection, ZIKV may occur in co-infection with dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses, with whom ZIKV shares geographic distribution and the mosquito Aedes aegypti as a vector. The main mosquito immune response against arboviruses is RNA interference (RNAi). It is unknown whether or not the dynamics of the RNAi response differ between single arboviral infections and co-infections. In this study, we investigated the interaction of ZIKV and DENV, as well as ZIKV and CHIKV co-infections with the RNAi response in Ae. aegypti. Using small RNA sequencing, we found that the efficiency of small RNA production against ZIKV -a hallmark of antiviral RNAi-was mostly similar when comparing single and co-infections with either DENV or CHIKV. Silencing of key antiviral RNAi proteins, showed no change in effect on ZIKV replication when the cell is co-infected with ZIKV and DENV or CHIKV. Interestingly, we observed a negative effect on ZIKV replication during CHIKV co-infection in the context of Ago2-knockout cells, though his effect was absent during DENV co-infection. Overall, this study provides evidence that ZIKV single or co-infections with CHIKV or DENV are equally controlled by RNAi responses. Thus, Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and derived cells support co-infections of ZIKV with either CHIKV or DENV to a similar level than single infections, as long as the RNAi response is functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayke Leggewie
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection; Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Christina Scherer
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection; Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Mine Altinli
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection; Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Rommel J Gestuveo
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines
| | - Vattipally B Sreenu
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Janina Fuss
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marie Vazeille
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Mousson
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
| | - Marlis Badusche
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
| | - Esther Schnettler
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection; Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
- University Hamburg, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
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6
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Müller R, Bálint M, Hardes K, Hollert H, Klimpel S, Knorr E, Kochmann J, Lee KZ, Mehring M, Pauls SU, Smets G, Steinbrink A, Vilcinskas A. RNA interference to combat the Asian tiger mosquito in Europe: A pathway from design of an innovative vector control tool to its application. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 66:108167. [PMID: 37164239 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is currently spreading across Europe, facilitated by climate change and global transportation. It is a vector of arboviruses causing human diseases such as chikungunya, dengue hemorrhagic fever and Zika fever. For the majority of these diseases, no vaccines or therapeutics are available. Options for the control of Ae. albopictus are limited by European regulations introduced to protect biodiversity by restricting or phasing out the use of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products of genome editing. Alternative solutions are thus urgently needed to avoid a future scenario in which Europe faces a choice between prioritizing human health or biodiversity when it comes to Aedes-vectored pathogens. To ensure regulatory compliance and public acceptance, these solutions should preferably not be based on chemicals or GMOs and must be cost-efficient and specific. The present review aims to synthesize available evidence on RNAi-based mosquito vector control and its potential for application in the European Union. The recent literature has identified some potential target sites in Ae. albopictus and formulations for delivery. However, we found little information concerning non-target effects on the environment or human health, on social aspects, regulatory frameworks, or on management perspectives. We propose optimal designs for RNAi-based vector control tools against Ae. albopictus (target product profiles), discuss their efficacy and reflect on potential risks to environmental health and the importance of societal aspects. The roadmap from design to application will provide readers with a comprehensive perspective on the application of emerging RNAi-based vector control tools for the suppression of Ae. albopictus populations with special focus on Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Müller
- Unit Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 9, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Miklós Bálint
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Media-related Toxicity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eileen Knorr
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Judith Kochmann
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kwang-Zin Lee
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Marion Mehring
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; ISOE - Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Hamburger Allee 45, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen U Pauls
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Greet Smets
- Perseus BV, Kortrijksesteenweg 127 B1, B-9830 Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium
| | - Antje Steinbrink
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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7
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Jagtap SV, Brink J, Frank SC, Badusche M, Leggewie M, Sreenu VB, Fuss J, Schnettler E, Altinli M. Agua Salud Alphavirus Infection, Dissemination and Transmission in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes. Viruses 2023; 15:1113. [PMID: 37243199 PMCID: PMC10223791 DOI: 10.3390/v15051113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are competent vectors for many important arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). In addition to arboviruses, insect-specific viruses (ISV) have also been discovered in mosquitoes. ISVs are viruses that replicate in insect hosts but are unable to infect and replicate in vertebrates. They have been shown to interfere with arbovirus replication in some cases. Despite the increase in studies on ISV-arbovirus interactions, ISV interactions with their hosts and how they are maintained in nature are still not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the infection and dissemination of the Agua Salud alphavirus (ASALV) in the important mosquito vector Aedes aegypti through different infection routes (per oral infection, intrathoracic injection) and its transmission. We show here that ASALV infects the female Ae. aegypti and replicates when mosquitoes are infected intrathoracically or orally. ASALV disseminated to different tissues, including the midgut, salivary glands and ovaries. However, we observed a higher virus load in the brain than in the salivary glands and carcasses, suggesting a tropism towards brain tissues. Our results show that ASALV is transmitted horizontally during adult and larval stages, although we did not observe vertical transmission. Understanding ISV infection and dissemination dynamics in Ae. aegypti and their transmission routes could help the use of ISVs as an arbovirus control strategy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati V. Jagtap
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jorn Brink
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
| | - Svea C. Frank
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
| | - Marlis Badusche
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
| | - Mayke Leggewie
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
| | | | - Janina Fuss
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Esther Schnettler
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mine Altinli
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (S.V.J.)
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Cottis S, Blisnick AA, Failloux AB, Vernick KD. Determinants of Chikungunya and O'nyong-Nyong Virus Specificity for Infection of Aedes and Anopheles Mosquito Vectors. Viruses 2023; 15:589. [PMID: 36992298 PMCID: PMC10051923 DOI: 10.3390/v15030589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases caused by viruses and parasites are responsible for more than 700 million infections each year. Anopheles and Aedes are the two major vectors for, respectively, malaria and arboviruses. Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vector of just one known arbovirus, the alphavirus o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV), which is closely related to the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), vectored by Aedes mosquitoes. However, Anopheles harbor a complex natural virome of RNA viruses, and a number of pathogenic arboviruses have been isolated from Anopheles mosquitoes in nature. CHIKV and ONNV are in the same antigenic group, the Semliki Forest virus complex, are difficult to distinguish via immunodiagnostic assay, and symptomatically cause essentially the same human disease. The major difference between the arboviruses appears to be their differential use of mosquito vectors. The mechanisms governing this vector specificity are poorly understood. Here, we summarize intrinsic and extrinsic factors that could be associated with vector specificity by these viruses. We highlight the complexity and multifactorial aspect of vectorial specificity of the two alphaviruses, and evaluate the level of risk of vector shift by ONNV or CHIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solène Cottis
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR2000, F-75015 Paris, France
- Graduate School of Life Sciences ED515, Sorbonne Université UPMC Paris VI, 75252 Paris, France
| | - Adrien A. Blisnick
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Kenneth D. Vernick
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR2000, F-75015 Paris, France
- Graduate School of Life Sciences ED515, Sorbonne Université UPMC Paris VI, 75252 Paris, France
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9
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Santos D, Feng M, Kolliopoulou A, Taning CNT, Sun J, Swevers L. What Are the Functional Roles of Piwi Proteins and piRNAs in Insects? INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14020187. [PMID: 36835756 PMCID: PMC9962485 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Research on Piwi proteins and piRNAs in insects has focused on three experimental models: oogenesis and spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, the antiviral response in Aedes mosquitoes and the molecular analysis of primary and secondary piRNA biogenesis in Bombyx mori-derived BmN4 cells. Significant unique and complementary information has been acquired and has led to a greater appreciation of the complexity of piRNA biogenesis and Piwi protein function. Studies performed in other insect species are emerging and promise to add to the current state of the art on the roles of piRNAs and Piwi proteins. Although the primary role of the piRNA pathway is genome defense against transposons, particularly in the germline, recent findings also indicate an expansion of its functions. In this review, an extensive overview is presented of the knowledge of the piRNA pathway that so far has accumulated in insects. Following a presentation of the three major models, data from other insects were also discussed. Finally, the mechanisms for the expansion of the function of the piRNA pathway from transposon control to gene regulation were considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Min Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Clauvis N. T. Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
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10
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Antiviral RNAi Response in Culex quinquefasciatus-Derived HSU Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020436. [PMID: 36851650 PMCID: PMC9968050 DOI: 10.3390/v15020436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Culex spp. mosquitoes are important vectors of viruses, such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus and Rift valley fever virus. However, their interactions with innate antiviral immunity, especially RNA interference (RNAi), are not well known. Most research on RNAi pathways in mosquitoes is focused on the tropical vector mosquito Aedes aegypti. Here, we investigated the production of arbovirus-specific small RNAs in Cx. quinquefasciatus-derived HSU cells. Furthermore, by silencing RNAi-related proteins, we investigated the antiviral role of these proteins for two different arboviruses: Semliki Forest virus (SFV) and Bunyamwera orthobunyavirus (BUNV). Our results showed an expansion of Ago2 and Piwi6 in Cx. quinquefasciatus compared to Ae. aegypti. While silencing Ago2a and Ago2b increased BUNV replication, only Ago2b showed antiviral activity against SFV. Our results suggest differences in the function of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti RNAi proteins and highlight the virus-specific function of these proteins in Cx. quinquefasciatus.
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11
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Agboli E, Tomazatos A, Maiga-Ascofaré O, May J, Lühken R, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Jöst H. Arbovirus Epidemiology: The Mystery of Unnoticed Epidemics in Ghana, West Africa. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1914. [PMID: 36296190 PMCID: PMC9610185 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10101914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
It is evident that all the countries surrounding Ghana have experienced epidemics of key arboviruses of medical importance, such as the recent dengue fever epidemic in Burkina Faso. Therefore, Ghana is considered a ripe zone for epidemics of arboviruses, mainly dengue. Surprisingly, Ghana never experienced the propounded deadly dengue epidemic. Indeed, it is mysterious because the mosquito vectors capable of transmitting the dengue virus, such as Aedes aegypti, were identified in Ghana through entomological investigations. Additionally, cases may be missed, as the diagnostic and surveillance capacities of the country are weak. Therefore, we review the arbovirus situation and outline probable reasons for the epidemic mystery in the country. Most of the recorded cases of arbovirus infections were usually investigated via serology by detecting IgM and IgG immunoglobulins in clinical samples, which is indicative of prior exposure but not an active case. This led to the identification of yellow fever virus and dengue virus as the main circulating arboviruses among the Ghanaian population. However, major yellow fever epidemics were reported for over a decade. It is important to note that the reviewed arboviruses were not frequently detected in the vectors. The data highlight the necessity of strengthening the diagnostics and the need for continuous arbovirus and vector surveillance to provide an early warning system for future arbovirus epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Agboli
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana
| | - Alexandru Tomazatos
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oumou Maiga-Ascofaré
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, PMB, Kumasi 039-5028, Ghana
| | - Jürgen May
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Antiviral RNAi Mechanisms to Arboviruses in Mosquitoes: microRNA Profile of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus from Grenada, West Indies. Appl Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol2020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne arboviruses, such as dengue virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus and yellow fever virus, impose a tremendous cost on the health of populations around the world. As a result, much effort has gone into the study of the impact of these viruses on human infections. Comparatively less effort, however, has been made to study the way these viruses interact with mosquitoes themselves. As ingested arboviruses infect their midgut and subsequently other tissue, the mosquito mounts a multifaceted innate immune response. RNA interference, the central intracellular antiviral defense mechanism in mosquitoes and other invertebrates can be induced and modulated through outside triggers (small RNAs) and treatments (transgenesis or viral-vector delivery). Accordingly, modulation of this facet of the mosquito’s immune system would thereby suggest a practical strategy for vector control. However, this requires a detailed understanding of mosquitoes’ endogenous small RNAs and their effects on the mosquito and viral proliferation. This paper provides an up-to-date overview of the mosquito’s immune system along with novel data describing miRNA profiles for Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasiatus in Grenada, West Indies.
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13
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Ren F, Yan J, Kontogiannatos D, Wang X, Li J, Swevers L, Sun J. Characterization of virus-like particles assembled by co-expression of BmCPV capsid shell protein and large protrusion protein. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1656-1664. [PMID: 35460752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bombyx mori cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (BmCPV) is a typical single-layer capsid dsRNA virus belonging to the Reoviridae family of the Cypovirus genus. Previous studies have shown that the BmCPV major capsid shell protein (CSP) has the ability to self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs), and cryo-electron microscopy of the BmCPV virions has revealed a tight mutual binding region between CSP and another capsid protein known as the Large Protrusion Protein (LPP), which further stabilizes the capsid shell. In this study, the multi-gene baculovirus expression system, Ac-MultiBac, was used to produce both solely CSP-based and CSP-LPP co-assembled VLPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that addition of LPP did not affect the assembly of VLPs resulting in almost identical structure in both cases. However, ex vivo administration of VLPs to silkworm midgut tissue showed that CSP-based VLPs did not induce a significant transcriptional response in the innate immunity and RNAi gene cascades, compared to the co-assembled CSP-LPP based VLPs and the natural BmCPV virions isolated from polyhedra. The experimental results indicate that CSP and LPP attach tightly ("Plug and Display" model with CSP acting as "catcher" and LPP as "tag") to form VLPs that have a structure similar to that of the native CPV virions. Moreover, our results showed that the formation of VLPs with the two BmCPV capsid proteins is feasible, which can form the basis for the production of BmCPV-based VLPs as a new type of biological material to display exogenous proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiming Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dimitrios Kontogiannatos
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Aghia Paraskevi, Athens 15341, Greece
| | - Xiong Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jingyang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Aghia Paraskevi, Athens 15341, Greece.
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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14
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Antiviral RNAi Response against the Insect-Specific Agua Salud Alphavirus. mSphere 2022; 7:e0100321. [PMID: 35171691 PMCID: PMC8849343 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.01003-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes are responsible for the death of millions of people each year. In addition to arboviruses, many insect-specific viruses (ISVs) have been discovered in mosquitoes in the last decade. ISVs, in contrast to arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes to vertebrates, cannot replicate in vertebrate cells even when they are evolutionarily closely related to arboviruses. The alphavirus genus includes many arboviruses, although only a few ISVs have been discovered from this genus so far. Here, we investigate the interactions of a recently isolated insect-specific alphavirus, Agua Salud alphavirus (ASALV), with its mosquito host. RNA interference (RNAi) is one of the essential antiviral responses against arboviruses, although there is little knowledge on the interactions of RNAi with ISVs. Through the knockdown of transcripts of the different key RNAi pathway (small interfering RNA [siRNA], microRNA [miRNA], and P-element-induced wimpy testis [PIWI]-interacting RNA [piRNA]) proteins, we show the antiviral role of Ago2 (siRNA), Ago1 (miRNA), and Piwi4 proteins against ASALV in Aedes aegypti-derived cells. ASALV replication was increased in Dicer2 and Ago2 knockout cells, confirming the antiviral role of the siRNA pathway. In infected cells, mainly ASALV-specific siRNAs are produced, while piRNA-like small RNAs, with the characteristic nucleotide bias resulting from ping-pong amplification, are produced only in Dicer2 knockout cells. Taken together, ASALV interactions with the mosquito RNAi response differ from those of arthropod-borne alphaviruses in some aspects, although they also share some commonalities. Further research is needed to understand whether the identified differences can be generalized to other insect-specific alphaviruses. IMPORTANCE Mosquitoes are efficient vectors for many arboviruses that cause emergent infectious diseases in humans. Many insect-specific viruses (ISVs) that can infect mosquitoes but cannot infect vertebrates have been discovered in the last decade. ISVs have attracted great attention due to their potential use in mosquito or arbovirus control, by either decreasing mosquito fitness or restricting arbovirus replication and transmission to humans. However, ISV-mosquito interactions are not well understood. RNA interference (RNAi) is the most important innate immune response against many arboviruses, while it is unknown if it is antiviral against ISVs. Here, we investigate in detail the antiviral effect of the RNAi response in mosquitoes against an ISV for the first time. Using a recently isolated insect-specific alphavirus, we show that the regulation of virus replication was different from that for arthropod-borne alphaviruses despite some similarities. The differences in mosquito-virus interactions could drive the different transmission modes, which could eventually drive the evolution of arboviruses. Hence, an understanding of mosquito-ISV interactions can shed light on the ecology and evolution of both ISVs and the medically important arboviruses.
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15
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Investigation of Biological Factors Contributing to Individual Variation in Viral Titer after Oral Infection of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes by Sindbis Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010131. [PMID: 35062335 PMCID: PMC8780610 DOI: 10.3390/v14010131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms involved in determining arbovirus vector competence, or the ability of an arbovirus to infect and be transmitted by an arthropod vector, are still incompletely understood. It is well known that vector competence for a particular arbovirus can vary widely among different populations of a mosquito species, which is generally attributed to genetic differences between populations. What is less understood is the considerable variability (up to several logs) that is routinely observed in the virus titer between individual mosquitoes in a single experiment, even in mosquitoes from highly inbred lines. This extreme degree of variation in the virus titer between individual mosquitoes has been largely ignored in past studies. We investigated which biological factors can affect titer variation between individual mosquitoes of a laboratory strain of Aedes aegypti, the Orlando strain, after Sindbis virus infection. Greater titer variation was observed after oral versus intrathoracic infection, suggesting that the midgut barrier contributes to titer variability. Among the other factors tested, only the length of the incubation period affected the degree of titer variability, while virus strain, mosquito strain, mosquito age, mosquito weight, amount of blood ingested, and virus concentration in the blood meal had no discernible effect. We also observed differences in culture adaptability and in the ability to orally infect mosquitoes between virus populations obtained from low and high titer mosquitoes, suggesting that founder effects may affect the virus titer in individual mosquitoes, although other explanations also remain possible.
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16
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Viglietta M, Bellone R, Blisnick AA, Failloux AB. Vector Specificity of Arbovirus Transmission. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:773211. [PMID: 34956136 PMCID: PMC8696169 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.773211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 25% of human infectious diseases are vector-borne diseases (VBDs). These diseases, caused by pathogens shared between animals and humans, are a growing threat to global health with more than 2.5 million annual deaths. Mosquitoes and ticks are the main vectors of arboviruses including flaviviruses, which greatly affect humans. However, all tick or mosquito species are not able to transmit all viruses, suggesting important molecular mechanisms regulating viral infection, dissemination, and transmission by vectors. Despite the large distribution of arthropods (mosquitoes and ticks) and arboviruses, only a few pairings of arthropods (family, genus, and population) and viruses (family, genus, and genotype) successfully transmit. Here, we review the factors that might limit pathogen transmission: internal (vector genetics, immune responses, microbiome including insect-specific viruses, and coinfections) and external, either biotic (adult and larvae nutrition) or abiotic (temperature, chemicals, and altitude). This review will demonstrate the dynamic nature and complexity of virus–vector interactions to help in designing appropriate practices in surveillance and prevention to reduce VBD threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Viglietta
- Unit of Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Bellone
- Unit of Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Adrien Albert Blisnick
- Unit of Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Unit of Arboviruses and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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17
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Spadar A, Phelan JE, Benavente ED, Campos M, Gomez LF, Mohareb F, Clark TG, Campino S. Flavivirus integrations in Aedes aegypti are limited and highly conserved across samples from different geographic regions unlike integrations in Aedes albopictus. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:332. [PMID: 34174947 PMCID: PMC8235865 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04828-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes of the genus Aedes are the main vectors of many viruses, e.g. dengue and Zika, which affect millions of people each year and for which there are limited treatment options. Understanding how Aedes mosquitoes tolerate high viral loads may lead to better disease control strategies. Elucidating endogenous viral elements (EVEs) within vector genomes may give exploitable biological insights. Previous studies have reported the presence of a large number of EVEs in Aedes genomes. Here we investigated if flavivirus EVEs are conserved across populations and different Aedes species by using ~ 500 whole genome sequence libraries from Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, sourced from colonies and field mosquitoes across continents. We found that nearly all flavivirus EVEs in the Ae. aegypti reference genome originate from four separate putative viral integration events, and that they are highly conserved across geographically diverse samples. By contrast, flavivirus EVEs in the Ae. albopictus reference genome originate from up to nine distinct integration events and show low levels of conservation, even within samples from narrow geographical ranges. Our analysis suggests that flaviviruses integrated as long sequences and were subsequently fragmented and shuffled by transposable elements. Given that EVEs of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus belong to different phylogenetic clades and have very differing levels of conservation, they may have different evolutionary origins and potentially different functional roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Spadar
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jody E Phelan
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ernest Diez Benavente
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Monica Campos
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lara Ferrero Gomez
- Unidade de Ciências da Natureza, da Vida e do Ambiente, Universidade Jean Piaget de Cabo Verde, Praia, Cabo Verde
| | - Fady Mohareb
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Bedford, UK
| | - Taane G Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Susana Campino
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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18
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Marconcini M, Pischedda E, Houé V, Palatini U, Lozada-Chávez N, Sogliani D, Failloux AB, Bonizzoni M. Profile of Small RNAs, vDNA Forms and Viral Integrations in Late Chikungunya Virus Infection of Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes. Viruses 2021; 13:553. [PMID: 33806250 PMCID: PMC8066115 DOI: 10.3390/v13040553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is contributing to the (re)-emergence of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). To gain insights into the molecular underpinning of viral persistence, which renders a mosquito a life-long vector, we coupled small RNA and whole genome sequencing approaches on carcasses and ovaries of mosquitoes sampled 14 days post CHIKV infection and investigated the profile of small RNAs and the presence of vDNA fragments. Since Aedes genomes harbor nonretroviral Endogenous Viral Elements (nrEVEs) which confers tolerance to cognate viral infections in ovaries, we also tested whether nrEVEs are formed after CHIKV infection. We show that while small interfering (si)RNAs are evenly distributed along the full viral genome, PIWI-interacting (pi)RNAs mostly arise from a ~1000 bp window, from which a unique vDNA fragment is identified. CHIKV infection does not result in the formation of new nrEVEs, but piRNAs derived from existing nrEVEs correlate with differential expression of an endogenous transcript. These results demonstrate that all three RNAi pathways contribute to the homeostasis during the late stage of CHIKV infection, but in different ways, ranging from directly targeting the viral sequence to regulating the expression of mosquito transcripts and expand the role of nrEVEs beyond immunity against cognate viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Marconcini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (E.P.); (U.P.); (N.L.-C.); (D.S.)
| | - Elisa Pischedda
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (E.P.); (U.P.); (N.L.-C.); (D.S.)
| | - Vincent Houé
- Arbovirus and Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; (V.H.); (A.-B.F.)
| | - Umberto Palatini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (E.P.); (U.P.); (N.L.-C.); (D.S.)
| | - Nabor Lozada-Chávez
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (E.P.); (U.P.); (N.L.-C.); (D.S.)
| | - Davide Sogliani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (E.P.); (U.P.); (N.L.-C.); (D.S.)
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Arbovirus and Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; (V.H.); (A.-B.F.)
| | - Mariangela Bonizzoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (E.P.); (U.P.); (N.L.-C.); (D.S.)
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Elrefaey AME, Abdelnabi R, Rosales Rosas AL, Wang L, Basu S, Delang L. Understanding the Mechanisms Underlying Host Restriction of Insect-Specific Viruses. Viruses 2020; 12:E964. [PMID: 32878245 PMCID: PMC7552076 DOI: 10.3390/v12090964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses contribute significantly to global mortality and morbidity in humans and animals. These viruses are mainly transmitted between susceptible vertebrate hosts by hematophagous arthropod vectors, especially mosquitoes. Recently, there has been substantial attention for a novel group of viruses, referred to as insect-specific viruses (ISVs) which are exclusively maintained in mosquito populations. Recent discoveries of novel insect-specific viruses over the past years generated a great interest not only in their potential use as vaccine and diagnostic platforms but also as novel biological control agents due to their ability to modulate arbovirus transmission. While arboviruses infect both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, the replication of insect-specific viruses is restricted in vertebrates at multiple stages of virus replication. The vertebrate restriction factors include the genetic elements of ISVs (structural and non-structural genes and the untranslated terminal regions), vertebrate host factors (agonists and antagonists), and the temperature-dependent microenvironment. A better understanding of these bottlenecks is thus warranted. In this review, we explore these factors and the complex interplay between ISVs and their hosts contributing to this host restriction phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rana Abdelnabi
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.A.); (A.L.R.R.); (L.W.)
| | - Ana Lucia Rosales Rosas
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.A.); (A.L.R.R.); (L.W.)
| | - Lanjiao Wang
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.A.); (A.L.R.R.); (L.W.)
| | - Sanjay Basu
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking GU24 0NF, UK;
| | - Leen Delang
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.A.); (A.L.R.R.); (L.W.)
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Robison A, Young MC, Byas AD, Rückert C, Ebel GD. Comparison of Chikungunya Virus and Zika Virus Replication and Transmission Dynamics in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:869-875. [PMID: 32431284 PMCID: PMC7410437 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are arthropod-borne viruses transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These viruses have become endemic in large parts of North, Central, and South America. Arboviruses persistently infect mosquitoes throughout their life span and become infectious (i.e., expectorate infectious virus in saliva) after a period of time called the extrinsic incubation period (EIP). The duration of this infectiousness, however, is not well characterized. This is an important shortcoming because many epidemiological models assume that mosquitoes continue to be infectious for the duration of their life span. To define the duration of infectiousness for CHIKV and ZIKV, mosquitoes were infected orally with these viruses. Every 2 days, legs/wings, midguts, salivary glands, and saliva were collected from 30 to 60 mosquitoes and viral load measured. In CHIKV-infected mosquitoes, infectious virus in saliva peaked early (2–4 dpi), and then decreased rapidly and was rarely observed after 10 dpi. Viral RNA in infected tissues also decreased after the initial peak (4–8 dpi) but did so much less drastically. In ZIKV-infected mosquitoes, the infectious virus in saliva peaked at 12–14 dpi and dropped off only slightly after 14 dpi. In infected tissues, viral RNA increased early during infection, and then plateaued after 6–10 days. Our findings suggest that significant variation exists in the duration of the infectious period for arboviruses that is in part influenced by virus clearance from expectorated saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Robison
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Michael C Young
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Alex D Byas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Claudia Rückert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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