Phenoloxidase activity acts as a mosquito innate immune response against infection with semliki forest virus

Rodriguez-Andres, J. et al. (2012) Phenoloxidase activity acts as a mosquito innate immune response against infection with semliki forest virus. PLoS Pathogens, 8(11), e1002977. (doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002977) (PMID:23144608) (PMCID:PMC3493465)

[img]
Preview
Text
72022.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

4MB

Abstract

Several components of the mosquito immune system including the RNA interference (RNAi), JAK/STAT, Toll and IMD pathways have previously been implicated in controlling arbovirus infections. In contrast, the role of the phenoloxidase (PO) cascade in mosquito antiviral immunity is unknown. Here we show that conditioned medium from the Aedes albopictus-derived U4.4 cell line contains a functional PO cascade, which is activated by the bacterium Escherichia coli and the arbovirus Semliki Forest virus (SFV) (Togaviridae; Alphavirus). Production of recombinant SFV expressing the PO cascade inhibitor Egf1.0 blocked PO activity in U4.4 cell- conditioned medium, which resulted in enhanced spread of SFV. Infection of adult female Aedes aegypti by feeding mosquitoes a bloodmeal containing Egf1.0-expressing SFV increased virus replication and mosquito mortality. Collectively, these results suggest the PO cascade of mosquitoes plays an important role in immune defence against arboviruses.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Schnettler, Dr Esther and Varjak, Dr Margus and Rodriguez-Andres, Mr Julio and Kohl, Professor Alain and Barry, Dr Gerald
Authors: Rodriguez-Andres, J., Rani, S., Varjak, M., Chase-Topping, M.E., Beck, M.H., Ferguson, M.C., Schnettler, E., Fragkoudis, R., Barry, G., Merits, A., Fazakerley, J.K., Strand, M.R., and Kohl, A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Journal Name:PLoS Pathogens
Publisher:Public Library of Science
ISSN:1553-7366
ISSN (Online):1553-7374
Published Online:08 November 2012
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2012 The Authors
First Published:First published in PLoS ONE 8(11):e100297
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
656551Arbovirus interactions with arthropod hostsAlain KohlMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12014/8MVLS III - CENTRE FOR VIRUS RESEARCH