Mosquito Biting Modulates Skin Response to Virus Infection

Mosquito-borne infections are increasing in number and are spreading to new regions at an unprecedented rate. In particular, mosquito-transmitted viruses, such as those that cause Zika, dengue, West Nile encephalitis, and chikungunya, have become endemic or have caused dramatic epidemics in many parts of the world. Aedes and Culex mosquitoes are the main culprits, spreading infection when they bite. Importantly, mosquitoes do not act as simple conduits that passively transfer virus from one individual to another. Instead, host responses to mosquito-derived factors have an important influence on infection and disease, aiding replication and dissemination within the host. Here, we discuss the latest research developments regarding this fascinating interplay between mosquito, virus, and the mammalian host.