# Metabolic basis of mosquito-endosymbiont-virus interactions

> **NIH NIH R01** · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $68,481

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
Ae. aegypti in nature differs dramatically in its vector competence for viruses (the permissiveness of the mosquito
to become infected and to then transmit the virus). Successful transmission of a virus critically depends on its
ability to overcome infection and escape barriers imposed by co-infecting pathogens or co-habiting symbionts in
the mosquito. Viruses are obligate parasites and therefore, must compete for resources (or nutrients) primarily
at the initial site of replication, the midgut. Thus, they induce significant changes in the mosquito metabolic
environment to benefit viral replicative needs. The metabolic environment (referred to as the metabolome) can
be precisely measured and directly linked to the level of replication and transmission and thus exploited to control
these events. In this project we will determine if manipulating the metabolic environment of the mosquito can
interfere with the success of viral replication by creating metabolic choke-points that limit transmission of the
virus from the vector. We will also evaluate how Wolbachia (an endosymbiont that has the ability to block virus
transmission) might compete for or limit metabolic resources required for virus replication and if this `pathogen-
blocking' phenotype is dependent on its density within the mosquito. We will also identify if and how viruses will
counter the effects of Wolbachia or other metabolic interference to develop resistance or escape metabolic
pressure. Through this work, we will identify how the metabolic environment of the vector can be exploited (by
natural or artificial means) to create refractory environments for viral replication and transmission. This work will
also provide a foundation for developing associations between metabolic reprogramming and other important
vector phenotypes, such as insecticide resistance, populations structure and geographic distribution, and general
mosquito biology, all of which are major determinants of vectorial capacity and pathogen transmission.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10569818
- **Project number:** 3R01AI151166-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Rushika Perera
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $68,481
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-03-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10569818

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10569818, Metabolic basis of mosquito-endosymbiont-virus interactions (3R01AI151166-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10569818. Licensed CC0.

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