Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Quantification of Antibody-dependent Enhancement of the Zika Virus in Primary Human Cells
Published on: January 18, 2019
Enhanced Zika virus susceptibility of globally invasive Aedes aegypti populations
Fabien Aubry1, Stéphanie Dabo1, Caroline Manet2
1Insect-Virus Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris, France.
Abstract:
The drivers and patterns of zoonotic virus emergence in the human population are poorly understood. The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a major arbovirus vector native to Africa that invaded most of the world's tropical belt over the past four centuries, after the evolution of a "domestic" form that specialized in biting humans and breeding in water storage containers. Here, we show that human specialization and subsequent spread of A. aegypti out of Africa were accompanied by an increase in its intrinsic ability to acquire and transmit the emerging human pathogen Zika virus. Thus, the recent evolution and global expansion of A. aegypti promoted arbovirus emergence not solely through increased vector-host contact but also as a result of enhanced vector susceptibility.
Insights
The mosquito Aedes aegypti evolved to bite humans, increasing its ability to spread Zika virus globally. This human specialization enhanced vector susceptibility, promoting arbovirus emergence beyond just increased human-vector contact.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Vector Biology
- Viral Pathogenesis
Background:
- Zoonotic virus emergence drivers are poorly understood.
- Aedes aegypti, an African arbovirus vector, has spread globally over centuries.
- A domestic form of Aedes aegypti specialized in human biting and container breeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Aedes aegypti's human specialization on its ability to transmit Zika virus.
- To understand how vector evolution influences arbovirus emergence.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of Aedes aegypti's vector competence.
- Evolutionary studies on mosquito adaptation.
- Zika virus transmission assays.
Main Results:
- Human specialization in Aedes aegypti correlated with increased Zika virus acquisition and transmission.
- The global expansion of Aedes aegypti was linked to enhanced vector susceptibility.
- Vector evolution, not just host contact, plays a role in arbovirus emergence.
Conclusions:
- The evolution of Aedes aegypti as a human-specialized vector enhanced its capacity to transmit Zika virus.
- Recent Aedes aegypti evolution and expansion have promoted arbovirus emergence through increased vector susceptibility.
- Understanding vector evolution is crucial for predicting and controlling arbovirus emergence.
