Circulative Transmission of Cileviruses in Brevipalpus Mites May Involve the Paracellular Movement of Virions

Author(s)

Tassi, Aline Daniele ; Ramos-Gonzalez, Pedro Luis ; Sinico, Thais Elise ; Kitajima, Elliot Watanabe ; Freitas-Astua, Juliana

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY; v. 13, p. 11-pg., 2022-04-06.

Abstract

Plant viruses transmitted by mites of the genus Brevipalpus are members of the genera Cilevirus, family Kitaviridae, or Dichorhavirus, family Rhabdoviridae. They produce non-systemic infections that typically display necrotic and/or chlorotic lesions around the inoculation loci. The cilevirus citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C) causes citrus leprosis, rated as one of the most destructive diseases affecting this crop in the Americas. CiLV-C is vectored in a persistent manner by the flat mite Brevipalpus yothersi. Upon the ingestion of viral particles with the content of the infected plant cell, virions must pass through the midgut epithelium and the anterior podocephalic gland of the mites. Following the duct from this gland, virions reach the salivary canal before their inoculation into a new plant cell through the stylet canal. It is still unclear whether CiLV-C multiplies in mite cells and what mechanisms contribute to its movement through mite tissues. In this study, based on direct observation of histological sections from viruliferous mites using the transmission electron microscope, we posit the hypothesis of the paracellular movement of CiLV-C in mites which may involve the manipulation of septate junctions. We detail the presence of viral particles aligned in the intercellular spaces between cells and the gastrovascular system of Brevipalpus mites. Accordingly, we propose putative genes that could control either active or passive paracellular circulation of viral particles inside the mites. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/50334-3 - Institutional research development plan (PDIp): modernization and adequacy of strategic multi-user units of the Instituto Biológico
• Grantee: Ana Eugênia de Carvalho Campos
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - State Research Institutes Modernization Program
• FAPESP's process: 19/25078-9 - Genomics and trascriptome of virus-vector-host plant relationship in the pathosytem of Brevipalpus transmitted viruses; systematic and evolution of Brevipalpus mites and their endosymbionts; new strategies to manage citrus Leprosis in the S. Paulo State
• Grantee: Elliot Watanabe Kitajima
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/12252-8 - Interaction between citrus leprosis C cilevirus and clerodendrum chlorotic spot dichorhavirus with their vector Brevipalpus yothersi and the possible implications in the management of cile- and dichorhaviruses
• Grantee: Aline Daniele Tassi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/50222-0 - Understanding the molecular biology and ecology of plant-virus-vector relationships: towards sustainable, integrated virus management strategies
• Grantee: Juliana de Freitas Astúa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants