How are arbovirus vectors able to tolerate infection?

• Published in: Developmental and comparative immunology 2020-02, Vol.103, p.103514-103514, Article 103514
• Main Authors: Oliveira, José Henrique, Bahia, Ana Cristina, Vale, Pedro F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Arbovirus; Control methods; Dengue fever; Disease; Disease control; Disease spread; Disease tolerance; Disease transmission; Infections; Insects; Intestinal microflora; Microbiota; Molecular modelling; Mosquito; Mosquitoes; Vector-borne diseases; Vectors; Viral diseases; Viruses
• ISSN: 0145-305X; 1879-0089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103514

One of the defining features of mosquito vectors of arboviruses such as Dengue and Zika is their ability to tolerate high levels of virus proliferation without suffering significant pathology. This adaptation is central to vector competence and disease spread. The molecular mechanisms, pathways, cellular and metabolic adaptations responsible for mosquito disease tolerance are still largely unknown and may represent effective ways to control mosquito populations and prevent arboviral diseases. In this review article, we describe the key link between disease tolerance and pathogen transmission, and how vector control methods may benefit by focusing efforts on dissecting the mechanisms underlying mosquito tolerance of arboviral infections. We briefly review recent work investigating tolerance mechanisms in other insects, describe the state of the art regarding the mechanisms of disease tolerance in mosquitos, and highlight the emerging role of gut microbiota in mosquito immunity and disease tolerance. •Mosquito vectors tolerate virus proliferation without significant pathology.•A balance between immune resistance and disease tolerance shapes vector competence.•The mechanisms underlying mosquito disease tolerance are underexplored.•Targeting mosquito disease tolerance may reduce arboviral transmission.