Wolbachia endosymbionts in Drosophila regulate the resistance to Zika virus infection in a sex dependent manner

• DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1380647
• Publication Date: 2024-06-05T05:07:11Z
• Authors: Ghada Tafesh-Edwards; Margarita Kyza Ka...; Klea Markollari; Dean Bunnell; Stanislava Chtarb...; Ioannis Eleftheri...
• Keywords: Zika Virus; Melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster has been used extensively for dissecting the genetic and functional bases of host innate antiviral immunity virus-induced pathology. Previous studies have shown that presence Wolbachia endosymbionts in D. confers resistance to infection by certain viral pathogens. Zika virus is an important vector-borne pathogen recently expanded its range due wide geographical distribution mosquito vector. Here, we describe effect on immune response adult flies following infection. First, show promotes longevity uninfected wild type adults increases survival injection. We find latter more pronounced females rather than males. Then, regulates replication during female flies. In addition, demonstrate antimicrobial peptide-encoding gene Drosocin sole Jun N-terminal kinase-specific MAPK phosphatase Puckered are upregulated flies, whereas stress TotM male individuals. Finally, activity RNA interference Toll signaling remain unaffected virus-infected containing compared lacking endosymbionts. Our results reveal affect a sex-specific manner, which turn influences This information contributes better understanding complex interrelationship between insects, their endosymbiotic bacteria, Interpreting these processes will help us design effective approaches controlling insect vectors infectious disease.