Salivary peptides of Aedes aegypti

• Grant number: 13/00740-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): July 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): June 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Anderson de Sá Nunes
• Grantee: Priscila Guirão Lara
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 09/09892-6 - Functional immunome of Aedes aegypti saliva, AP.JP

Abstract

Hematophagous mosquitoes represent the most important group of vectors of infectious and parasitic diseases to humans. In this context, the most significant mosquitoes belong to the Culicidae family, and the best characterized species is Aedes aegypti, primary vector of dengue fever, yellow fever and Chikungunya fever. Diseases transmitted by these mosquitoes are the cause of high rates of mortality and morbidity in human population, representing a global problem of public health. To succeed in their hematophagous habit and thus acquire the nutrients necessary for the development and maturation of their eggs, mosquitoes might be able to deal with the physiological barriers posed by the vertebrate host, namely: the hemostatic system, the inflammatory response and the immune system. It is through their saliva, a rich mixture of compounds with anti-hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, that mosquitoes face these challenges. Three classes of anti-hemostatic activities were found in the saliva of the A. aegypti: anti-platelet aggregation, vasodilatory and anti-coagulant. The role of saliva on certain immune cells and systemically in the vertebrate host has also been demonstrated during arboviral infections. These data confirm how several pathogens use these modulators mechanisms to infect those hosts and cause disease, as the salivary glands are the place where these microorganisms propagate and remain until they are transmitted. However, much of what is known about the A. aegypti saliva has been described from raw material, whose characterization is limited or nonexistent. Knowing the importance of bloodsucking arthropods saliva and their salivary peptides for their feeding and for transmission of vector-borne diseases, it is essential to elucidate their immunopharmacological activities. This PhD project will specifically study the role of tree peptides described in the A. aegypti salivome, whose biological role is still unknown. Such knowledge will contribute to the understanding of their role in blood feeding, vector/vertebrate host interaction and also in the development of new strategies for vector control and the diseases they cause. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

LARA, PRISCILA G.; ESTEVES, ELIANE; SALES-CAMPOS, HELIOSWILTON; ASSIS, JOSIANE B.; HENRIQUE, MARESSA O.; BARROS, MICHELE S.; NETO, LEILA S.; SILVA, PEDRO, I; MARTINS, JOILSON O.; CARDOSO, CRISTINA R. B.; et al. AeMOPE-1, a Novel Salivary Peptide From Aedes aegypti, Selectively Modulates Activation of Murine Macrophages and Ameliorates Experimental Colitis. FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY, v. 12, p. 15-pg., 2021-07-19. (20/03175-0, 13/00740-4, 09/09892-6, 15/22934-0, 13/07467-1)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

LARA, Priscila Guirão. AeMOPE-1: a novel salivary immunomodulatory peptide of Aedes aegypti with therapeutic potential in experimental colitis.. 2017. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI) São Paulo.