Mosquitoes transmit arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), which are responsible for 17% of the global burden of infectious diseases in humans. Recent metagenomics studies have revealed that the mosquito viral microbiota also includes mosquito-specific viruses, which do not infect vertebrate cells. Taxonomically diverse and incredibly prevalent, these viruses are poised to shift our understanding of how mosquito antiviral immunity works. In addition, certain mosquito-specific viruses enhance or suppress the replication and dissemination of arboviruses in mosquitoes. They could thus serve as the basis for innovations in arboviral disease management, vaccine development, and vector control interventions.

This seminar will present mosquito-specific viruses as a nascent intersection between virology, immunology, and ecology. I will share novel insights from our ongoing efforts to understand the factors shaping mosquito virome diversity through a longitudinal metagenomics study of 21 mosquito species from Cambodia, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, and French Guiana. Our extensive dataset revealed virus distribution patterns that bring further insights into species-specific ‘core’ viromes. Notably, we found ‘super host’ mosquito species and viruses with broad mosquito host ranges, reshaping our view of virus-host interactions. This also highlights the mosquito-specific viruses deserving further research attention for improved mosquito-borne disease management through a One Health perspective.

Paris Post-docs seminar series.