Molecular Insights into Host and Vector Manipulation by Plant Viruses

Abstract

Plant viruses rely on both host plant and vectors for a successful infection. Essentially to simplify studies, transmission has been considered for decades as an interaction between two partners, virus and vector. This interaction has gained a third partner, the host plant, to establish a tripartite pathosystem in which the players can react with each other directly or indirectly through changes induced in/by the third partner. For instance, viruses can alter the plant metabolism or plant immune defence pathways to modify vector’s attraction, settling or feeding, in a way that can be conducive for virus propagation. Such changes in the plant physiology can also become favourable to the vector, establishing a mutualistic relationship. This review focuses on the recent molecular data on the interplay between viral and plant factors that provide some important clues to understand how viruses manipulate both the host plants and vectors in order to improve transmission conditions and thus ensuring their survival.

Nanoparticles as Potential Antivirals in Agriculture

“…Some strategies carried out in greenhouses are the reduction of insect vector populations through the use of chemical compounds or biological control [22]. Mainly because viruses depend on insect vectors for their survival, transmission, and propagation [23]. Other practices include the reduction of virus sources (infected plants or plant remains) interference with a vector's landing by altering the attraction of insects to colors, and interference with the transmission process through the use of mineral oils [22].…”

Post-acquisition effects of viruses on vector behavior are important components of manipulation strategies

“…This dichotomy of virus effects, which is driven by shared transmission characteristics and not virus phylogeny, lends support to the idea that plant virus effects on host phenotypes and vector behavior may be adaptive. This supposition is further supported by recent functional genomics studies identifying virus proteins and conserved host pathways involved in manipulations (Mauck et al 2019;Ziegler-Graff 2020). Documentation of virus effects on host phenotypes is important for establishing that such effects may constitute adaptive manipulations by viruses, but it largely ignores the important interactions that occur after vectors contact infected hosts and acquire virions.…”

Aphid–Plant–Phytovirus Pathosystems: Influencing Factors from Vector Behaviour to Virus Spread

“…Moreover, there are viral proteins that may interfere with the host plant defence system to improve the plant suitability encouraging aphid sustainable phloem feeding. This is the case for PLRV proteins P0, P1 and P7, which were identified in infected Nicotiana benthamiana [41]. In presence of aphids, both P0 and P1 inhibited SA and JA induction compared to control plants, whereas ET emission from aphid free plants were inhibited by P7 on PLRV infected plants compared to control [41].…”

“…This is the case for PLRV proteins P0, P1 and P7, which were identified in infected Nicotiana benthamiana [41]. In presence of aphids, both P0 and P1 inhibited SA and JA induction compared to control plants, whereas ET emission from aphid free plants were inhibited by P7 on PLRV infected plants compared to control [41]. However, this may not happen every time in all pathosystems in the same way depending on plant cultivars and aphid species [40].…”