# Identification and validation of Zika virus receptor(s) in the midgut lumen of Aedes aegypti

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA · 2022 · $189,370

## Abstract

SUMMARY
The central goal of this project is to identify Zika virus (ZIKV) receptor(s), generation ZIKV transmission
incompetent transgenic mosquitoes that lack the receptor-encoding gene and identification of novel transmission
blocking vaccine candidate(s). Transmission of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) causes widespread and
debilitating diseases across the globe. In the absence of effective licensed vaccines or therapeutic treatments of
arboviruses, including ZIKV, control at the vector level is the most effective method to ameliorate the burden of
these viruses. Before these viruses can be transmitted to humans, they must first infect the mosquito following
a blood meal. Thus, investigations to understand ZIKV-mosquito interactions are of critical importance. In this
proposal, we will identify specific molecules in the Aedes aegypti mosquito midgut that act as receptors and
facilitators for ZIKV binding and establishment of infection. Identified candidate receptors will be validated in vivo
by genetic ablation using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and subsequent oral challenge with an infectious ZIKV
blood meal. Data generated in this study will assist in 1) the development of effective disease control measures,
e.g. via the generation of transgenic mosquitoes that lack the receptor-encoding gene and would be incompetent
for ZIKV transmission; and 2) identification of ZIKV receptor molecules in the mosquito midgut will provide new
insights into the basic biology and molecular mechanisms underpinning the vector competency and mosquito-
arboviral pathogen interactions. The proposed experiments are also significant because they provide the
groundwork for future experiments that will determine whether the same receptor(s) is used by other arboviruses
and other mosquito species.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10379934
- **Project number:** 5R21AI151475-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Sujit K Pujhari
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $189,370
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-04-01 → 2024-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10379934

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10379934, Identification and validation of Zika virus receptor(s) in the midgut lumen of Aedes aegypti (5R21AI151475-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10379934. Licensed CC0.

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