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Published on: September 17, 2019
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Broad dengue neutralization in mosquitoes expressing an engineered antibody
Anna Buchman1, Stephanie Gamez1, Ming Li1
1Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America.
Plos Pathogens
|January 17, 2020
Summary
Genetically engineered mosquitoes can now fight dengue virus (DENV) by reducing infection and transmission. This innovative approach targets all DENV serotypes, offering a new strategy for disease control.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Genetic Engineering
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dengue virus (DENV) is a growing global health threat, endemic in tropical and subtropical areas.
- Effective mosquito control strategies are crucial for preventing DENV transmission.
- Genetic engineering offers novel methods to reduce mosquito vector competence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with reduced capacity to transmit DENV.
- To create a universal genetic control strategy effective against all four DENV serotypes.
Main Methods:
- Synthetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes expressing a single-chain variable fragment (scFv).
- The scFv is derived from a broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody against DENV.
- Assessed viral infection, dissemination, and transmission rates in engineered mosquitoes.
Main Results:
- Engineered mosquitoes showed significantly reduced DENV infection, dissemination, and transmission.
- This approach demonstrated efficacy against all four major DENV serotypes.
- This represents the first engineered method targeting all DENV serotypes.
Conclusions:
- Genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes present a promising genetic-based strategy for DENV control.
- This approach offers a universal solution effective against all DENV serotypes.
- The strategy could potentially be adapted for controlling other arboviruses.
