Complex interactions among insect viruses‐insect vector‐arboviruses

Abstract

Insects are the host or vector of diverse viruses including those that infect vertebrates, plants, and fungi. Insect viruses reside inside their insect hosts and are vertically transmitted from parent to offspring. The insect virus–host relationship is intricate, as these viruses can impact various aspects of insect biology, such as development, reproduction, sex ratios, and immunity. Arthropod‐borne viruses (arboviruses) that cause substantial global health or agricultural problems can also be vertically transmitted to insect vector progeny. Multiple infections with insect viruses and arboviruses are common in nature. Such coinfections involve complex interactions, including synergism, dependence, and antagonism. Recent studies have shed light on the influence of insect viruses on the competence of insect vectors for arboviruses. In this review, we focus on the biological effects of insect viruses on the transmission of arboviruses by insects. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which insect viruses affect the ability of hosts to transmit arboviruses, as well as potential strategies for disease control through manipulation of insect viruses. Analyses of the interactions among insect vectors, insect viruses and arboviruses will provide new opportunities for development of innovative strategies to control arbovirus transmission.

Distribution and dynamic changes of Huanglongbing pathogen in its insect vector Diaphorina citri

“…From another perspective, our results align with previous studies on vector insects being responsible for transmitting plant pathogens and confirmed that the midgut and salivary glands of insects serve as a significant impediment for pathogen transmission ( Hogenhout et al., 2008 ; Wang et al., 2023 ). A significant indication of the transmission capability of an insect vector related to plant pathogens, is the ability of the pathogen to infiltrate particular cells within the salivary glands of vector insects, and amass in substantial quantities, thereby attaining a sufficient concentration to facilitate transmission of the plant pathogen ( Weintraub and Beanland, 2005 ; Galdeano et al., 2020 ; Wang et al., 2023 ).…”

Identification and Characterization of Three Novel Solemo-like Viruses in the White-Backed Planthopper, Sogatella furcifera

“…Both vertical and horizontal transmission of ISVs are thought to exist in host insect populations [ 1 , 2 ]. Symbiotic ISVs display intricate interactions with their host insects, despite not causing evident pathogenic symptoms [ 1 , 4 ]. For instance, symbiotic partiti-like viruses identified in African armyworms have been shown to reduce the growth rate and reproductive capability of the host insect while concurrently increasing their resistance to a nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) [ 54 ].…”

“…Consequently, a considerable number of viruses lacking obvious pathogenicity have been identified in insects, many of which are known as insect-specific viruses (ISVs) [ 2 ]. ISVs are abundant, and diverse and engage in complex interactions with host insects, enhancing our understanding of the insect virome and insect–virus coevolution [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Numerous insect-borne pathogenic viruses together with ISVs can infect and proliferate within insects, indicating a close phylogenetic relationship between them.…”

Molecular and biological characterization of a bunyavirus infecting the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens)

“…With the development of next-generation sequencing technology, a large number of symbiotic viruses have been discovered in N. lugens, such as Nilaparvata lugens reovirus [3], Himetobi P virus (HiPV) [4], Nilaparvata lugens commensal X virus (NLCXV) [4], Nilaparvata lugens honeydew virus (NLHV) [5,6], and Nilaparvata lugens C virus (NlCV) [7]. The presence of symbiotic viruses can affect the behaviour and performance of their insect hosts, potentially influencing the host's ability to act as vectors for arboviruses [8,9]. A previous study also indicated that NLRV can interfere with the transmission and proliferation of RRSV in BPH [10].…”