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Updated: Oct 2, 2025
Use of a Recombinant Mosquito Densovirus As a Gene Delivery Vector for the Functional Analysis of Genes in Mosquito Larvae
Published on: October 6, 2017
Recombinant Mosquito Densovirus with Bti Toxins Significantly Improves Pathogenicity against Aedes albopictus
Khadija Batool1, Intikhab Alam2, Peiwen Liu1
1Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Abstract:
Mosquito densoviruses (MDVs) are mosquito-specific viruses that are recommended as mosquito bio-control agents. The MDV Aedes aegypti densovirus (AeDNV) is a good candidate for controlling mosquitoes. However, the slow activity restricts their widespread use for vector control. In this study, we introduced the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bti) toxin Cry11Aa domain II loop α8 and Cyt1Aa loop β6-αE peptides into the AeDNV genome to improve its mosquitocidal efficiency; protein expression was confirmed using nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC-MS/MS). Recombinant plasmids were transfected into mosquito C6/36 cell lines, and the expression of specific peptides was detected through RT-PCR. A toxicity bioassay against the first instar Aedes albopictus larvae revealed that the pathogenic activity of recombinant AeDNV was significantly higher and faster than the wild-type (wt) viruses, and mortality increased in a dose-dependent manner. The recombinant viruses were genetically stable and displayed growth phenotype and virus proliferation ability, similar to wild-type AeDNV. Our novel results offer further insights by combining two mosquitocidal pathogens to improve viral toxicity for mosquito control.
Insights
This study enhances mosquito densoviruses (MDVs) by incorporating Bacillus thuringiensis toxins, creating a faster-acting bio-control agent against mosquito larvae. The modified virus shows improved mosquitocidal efficiency and genetic stability.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Mosquito densoviruses (MDVs) are effective mosquito bio-control agents.
- Aedes aegypti densovirus (AeDNV) shows promise but has slow activity, limiting its use.
- Enhancing AeDNV's mosquitocidal efficiency is crucial for effective vector control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve the mosquitocidal efficiency of AeDNV by incorporating Bacillus thuringiensis (Bti) toxin peptides.
- To assess the toxicity, genetic stability, and growth characteristics of the recombinant AeDNV.
Main Methods:
- Engineered AeDNV genome with Cry11Aa domain II loop α8 and Cyt1Aa loop β6-αE peptides.
- Confirmed peptide expression using nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC-MS/MS).
- Assessed larval mortality via toxicity bioassays against Aedes albopictus.
Main Results:
- Recombinant AeDNV exhibited significantly higher and faster pathogenic activity against mosquito larvae compared to wild-type.
- Larval mortality increased in a dose-dependent manner.
- Recombinant viruses demonstrated genetic stability and similar growth/proliferation to wild-type AeDNV.
Conclusions:
- Combining MDVs with Bti toxin peptides enhances mosquitocidal efficiency.
- This novel approach offers a promising strategy for improved viral vector control.
- Genetically modified AeDNV presents a potent and stable bio-control agent.
