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Multiple Salivary Proteins from Aedes aegypti Mosquito Bind to the Zika Virus Envelope Protein
Paola Carolina Valenzuela-Leon1, Gaurav Shrivastava1, Ines Martin-Martin1
1Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
Abstract:
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are important vectors of several debilitating and deadly arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses, including Yellow Fever virus, Dengue virus, West Nile virus and Zika virus (ZIKV). Arbovirus transmission occurs when an infected mosquito probes the host's skin in search of a blood meal. Salivary proteins from mosquitoes help to acquire blood and have also been shown to enhance pathogen transmission in vivo and in vitro. Here, we evaluated the interaction of mosquito salivary proteins with ZIKV by surface plasmon resonance and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that three salivary proteins AAEL000793, AAEL007420, and AAEL006347 bind to the envelope protein of ZIKV with nanomolar affinities. Similar results were obtained using virus-like particles in binding assays. These interactions have no effect on viral replication in cultured endothelial cells and keratinocytes. Additionally, we found detectable antibody levels in ZIKV and DENV serum samples against the recombinant proteins that interact with ZIKV. These results highlight complex interactions between viruses, salivary proteins and antibodies that could be present during viral transmissions.
Insights
Mosquito saliva proteins bind to Zika virus (ZIKV) envelope proteins, potentially influencing transmission. Antibodies against these proteins were detected in patient samples, suggesting complex host-pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit arboviruses like Zika virus (ZIKV).
- Mosquito salivary proteins aid blood feeding and can enhance pathogen transmission.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for controlling arbovirus spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between Aedes aegypti salivary proteins and Zika virus (ZIKV).
- To determine if these interactions affect viral replication.
- To assess the presence of antibodies against interacting salivary proteins in patient sera.
Main Methods:
- Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used.
- Binding assays were performed using recombinant salivary proteins and ZIKV envelope protein or virus-like particles.
- Viral replication was assessed in cultured endothelial cells and keratinocytes.
Main Results:
- Three salivary proteins (AAEL000793, AAEL007420, AAEL006347) bound to the ZIKV envelope protein with nanomolar affinity.
- These interactions did not impact viral replication in cell cultures.
- Antibodies against the interacting salivary proteins were detected in serum samples from ZIKV and Dengue virus (DENV) patients.
Conclusions:
- Specific Aedes aegypti salivary proteins interact with ZIKV, potentially modulating transmission dynamics.
- The presence of antibodies suggests a host immune response to these salivary proteins during infection.
- These findings reveal intricate interactions between viruses, mosquito saliva, and host immunity during arbovirus transmission.
