Characterization of Aedes albopictus akirin for the control of mosquito and sand fly infestations

The control of arthropod vectors of pathogens that affect human and animal health is important for the eradication of vector-borne diseases. Recent evidences showed a reduction in the survival and/or fertility of mosquitoes, sand flies and poultry red mites fed in vitro with antibodies against the recombinant Aedes albopictus akirin. These experiments were the first step toward the development of a multi-target arthropod vaccine. In this study, we showed that the oviposition of A. albopictus and Phlebotomus perniciosus fed on mice vaccinated with recombinant A. albopictus akirin was reduced by 17% and 31%, respectively when compared to controls. However, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were not affected after feeding on vaccinated mice. These results showed that recombinant A. albopictus akirin could be used to vaccinate hosts for the control of mosquito and sand fly infestations and suggested new experiments to develop improved vaccine formulations

Characterization of Aedes albopictus akirin for the control of mosquito and sand fly infestations

The control of arthropod vectors of pathogens that affect human and animal health is important for the eradication of vector-borne diseases. Recent evidences showed a reduction in the survival and/or fertility of mosquitoes, sand flies and poultry red mites fed in vitro with antibodies against the recombinant Aedes albopictus akirin. These experiments were the first step toward the development of a multi-target arthropod vaccine. In this study, we showed that the oviposition of A. albopictus and Phlebotomus perniciosus fed on mice vaccinated with recombinant A. albopictus akirin was reduced by 17% and 31%, respectively when compared to controls. However, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were not affected after feeding on vaccinated mice. These results showed that recombinant A. albopictus akirin could be used to vaccinate hosts for the control of mosquito and sand fly infestations and suggested new experiments to develop improved vaccine formulations.This research was supported by the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Spain (project FAU2008-00014-00-00) and the Consejería de Educación y Ciencia, JCCM, Spain (project PEII09-0118-8907). J.A. Moreno-Cid is a recipient of a JCCM fellowship. M. Canales was funded by the Wellcome Trust under the “Animal Health in the Developing World” initiative (project 0757990). M. Villar was funded by the JAE-DOC program (CSIC-FSE), Spain.Peer Reviewe