Fungal infection recognition in the Aedes aegypti mosquito

Authors: Ramirez, Jose; Muturi, Ephantus; Weiler, Lina; Rooney, Alejandro - Alex

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/28/2019
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of the most important vectors of human pathogens throughout the world. Although efforts have been made to eliminate this mosquito from their current habitat, the increase in insecticide resistance has highlighted the need for alternative methods of mosquito control. Entomopathogenic fungi represent an environmentally friendly alternative to control the population of mosquitoes. Although some advances have been made to understand how the fungi infects and colonizes the mosquito body, there is still a need for understanding how the mosquito responds to infection. In this regard, the effective recognition of the invading fungi by the mosquito is a crucial step in mounting an appropriate anti-fungal response. During this interaction, as the fungi penetrates the mosquito cuticle, a set of recognition molecules, with certain degree of specificity, act to trigger a series of immune response that limit fungal dissemination. This has implications in the mosquito susceptibility to fungal pathogens. This talk will discuss the pathogen recognition dynamics during fungal infection in the Ae. aegypti mosquito.