ARS | Publication request: Cereal rhabdovirus interactions with vectors

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: February 4, 2012
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The cereal infecting cytorhabdoviruses and nucelorhabdoviruses are transmitted to new plant hosts in a persistent, propagative manner by their leafhopper (Cicadellidae) and planthopper (Fulgoroidea) vectors. We discuss our current knowledge of virus acquisition by, replication and movement in, and transmission by their vectors. The roles that barriers to virus acquisition and infection of specific tissues in the insect host in determining vector competence between and among vector species is beginning to be defined. Emerging information on vector genomes indicates the presence of genes similar to those important for rhabdovirus uptake into cells, and the innate immune system of mammals. Gaps in our knowledge of what makes a vector are identified and future directions for research are discussed.