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Detecting Wolbachia Strain wAlbB in Aedes albopictus Cell Lines
Published on: June 1, 2022
The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia induces resistance to dengue virus in Aedes aegypti
1Department of Entomology and Genetics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America.
Abstract:
Genetic strategies that reduce or block pathogen transmission by mosquitoes have been proposed as a means of augmenting current control measures to reduce the growing burden of vector-borne diseases. The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia has long been promoted as a potential vehicle for introducing disease-resistance genes into mosquitoes, thereby making them refractory to the human pathogens they transmit. Given the large overlap in tissue distribution and intracellular localization between Wolbachia and dengue virus in mosquitoes, we conducted experiments to characterize their interactions. Our results show that Wolbachia inhibits viral replication and dissemination in the main dengue vector, Aedes aegypti. Moreover, the virus transmission potential of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti was significantly diminished when compared to wild-type mosquitoes that did not harbor Wolbachia. At 14 days post-infection, Wolbachia completely blocked dengue transmission in at least 37.5% of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. We also observed that this Wolbachia-mediated viral interference was associated with an elevated basal immunity and increased longevity in the mosquitoes. These results underscore the potential usefulness of Wolbachia-based control strategies for population replacement.
Insights
The bacterium Wolbachia significantly reduces dengue virus transmission in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This discovery supports Wolbachia-based strategies for controlling vector-borne diseases.
Area of Science:
- Medical entomology
- Molecular biology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Vector-borne diseases pose a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel control strategies.
- Genetic modification of mosquitoes, particularly using endosymbiotic bacteria like Wolbachia, is a promising approach.
- Wolbachia's presence in mosquito tissues overlaps with dengue virus, suggesting potential interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between Wolbachia and dengue virus in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- To assess the impact of Wolbachia infection on dengue virus replication, dissemination, and transmission.
- To evaluate the potential of Wolbachia as a tool for controlling dengue transmission.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with Wolbachia.
- Infection of mosquitoes with dengue virus.
- Quantification of viral replication and dissemination in Wolbachia-infected and control mosquitoes.
- Assessment of dengue virus transmission rates from infected mosquitoes.
Main Results:
- Wolbachia significantly inhibited dengue virus replication and dissemination within Aedes aegypti.
- Dengue virus transmission potential was markedly reduced in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes compared to wild-type.
- Complete blockage of dengue transmission occurred in at least 37.5% of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes by 14 days post-infection.
- Wolbachia infection was associated with enhanced basal immunity and increased mosquito longevity.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia effectively interferes with dengue virus replication and transmission in Aedes aegypti.
- The findings support the use of Wolbachia-based strategies for population replacement to control dengue.
- Enhanced mosquito immunity and longevity may contribute to the efficacy of Wolbachia-mediated disease control.
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