RNA Interference Restricts Rift Valley Fever Virus in Multiple Insect Systems

• DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00090-17
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04T00:40:28Z
• Authors: Isabelle Dietrich; Stephanie Jansen; Gamou Fall; Stephan Lorenzen; Martin Rudolf; Katrin Huber; Anna Heitmann; Sabine Schicht; El Hadji Ndiaye; Mick Watson; Ilaria Castelli; Benjamin Brennan; Richard M. Elliott; Mawlouth Diallo; Amadou A. Sall; Anna-Bella Failloux; Esther Schnettler; Alain Kohl; Stefanie C. Becker
• Keywords: RNA Silencing; Rift Valley Fever; Phlebovirus

The emerging bunyavirus Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is transmitted to humans and livestock by a large number of mosquito species. RNA interference (RNAi) has been characterized as an important innate immune defense mechanism used mosquitoes limit replication positive-sense flaviviruses togaviruses; however, little known about its role against negative-strand viruses such RVFV. We show that virus-specific small RNAs are produced in infected cells, Drosophila melanogaster and, most importantly, also RVFV vector mosquitoes. By addressing the production adult Aedes sp. Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, we showed presence virus-derived Piwi-interacting (piRNAs) not only but C. indicating antiviral similar described activities RNAi these have activity, since silencing pathway effectors enhances viral replication. Moreover, our data suggest does encode suppressor RNAi. These findings point toward significant control IMPORTANCE (RVFV; Phlebovirus, Bunyaviridae) zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogen high relevance for human animal health. Successful strategies intervention transmission vectors prevention veterinary disease rely on better understanding mechanisms govern RVFV-vector interactions. Despite medical importance, factors replication, dissemination, invertebrate host. Here studied pathways natural cells draw comparisons model insect melanogaster. found infection induces both exogenous interfering (siRNA) piRNA pathways, which contribute insects. Furthermore, demonstrate piRNAs Understanding targets within them offers potential development novel measures vector-based strategies.