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Mosquito-Associated Virus Isolation from Field-Collected Mosquitoes
Published on: August 31, 2022
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Endogenous viral elements in mosquito genomes: current knowledge and outstanding questions
Umberto Palatini1, Claudia A Contreras1, Laila Gasmi1
1Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Current Opinion in Insect Science
|November 6, 2021
Summary
Non-retroviral RNA virus integrations (nrEVEs) in mosquitoes offer inherited antiviral immunity. Understanding nrEVE biology is key for developing new vector control strategies against mosquito-borne diseases.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Non-retroviral RNA virus integrations (nrEVEs) are found in various species, notably in mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
- These mosquito nrEVEs are frequently located in piRNA clusters and produce piRNAs that can suppress viral genomes, indicating a role in inherited antiviral immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on mosquito nrEVEs.
- To highlight knowledge gaps and the potential of nrEVEs for vector control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on nrEVEs in mosquitoes.
- Analysis of the genomic distribution and expression of nrEVEs.
Main Results:
- Aedes mosquitoes possess a high number of nrEVEs, often within piRNA clusters, contributing to antiviral defense.
- Variations in nrEVE landscapes and expression patterns (including outside piRNA clusters) exist in wild populations.
Conclusions:
- nrEVEs represent a novel inherited antiviral immunity mechanism in mosquitoes.
- Further research into nrEVE biology and evolution is crucial for developing transmission-blocking strategies against mosquito-borne viruses.
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