An aedes aegypti-associated fungus increases susceptibility to dengue virus by modulating gut trypsin activity

Yesseinia I. Angleró-Rodríguez, Octavio A.C. Talyuli, Benjamin J. Blumberg, Seokyoung Kang, Celia Demby, Alicia Shields, Jenny Carlson, Natapong Jupatanakul, George Dimopoulos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transmission of dengue virus (DENV) requires successful completion of the infection cycle in the Aedes aegypti vector, which is initiated in the midgut tissue after ingestion of an infectious blood meal. While certain Ae. aegypti midgut-associated bacteria influence virus infection, little is known about the midgut-associated fungi (mycobiota), and how its members might influence susceptibility to DENV infection. We show that a Talaromyces (Tsp_PR) fungus, isolated from field-caught Ae. aegypti, render the mosquito more permissive to DENV infection. This modulation is attributed to a profound down-regulation of digestive enzyme genes and trypsin activity, upon exposure to Tsp_PR-secreted factors. In conclusion, we show for the first time that a natural mosquito gut-associated fungus can alter Ae. aegypti physiology in a way that facilitates pathogen infection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere28844
JournaleLife
Volume6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 5 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An aedes aegypti-associated fungus increases susceptibility to dengue virus by modulating gut trypsin activity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this