Title: Viral transmission by insect vectors
Funder: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Abstract: Understanding how viruses are transmitted is fundamental to controlling and ultimately eradicating a disease. This is particularly true for viruses with biological vectors where the life cycle of the virus often relies on the vector species, presenting more opportunities for disease control. Pirbright has an excellent track record in using biological data to inform models of transmission that directly inform policy on vaccination and culling. Moreover we have world leading facilities and expertise in studying insect vectors, including mosquitoes and midges, and their capacity to transmit viruses that cause disease. This unique combination allows Pirbright to react quickly to emerging threats, and we are alone in the UK in our ability to undertake fundamental basic research in an authentic disease context with the insect vector and the vertebrate disease host. _x000D__x000D_ Arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) have a medical and veterinary impact in both developing and developed countries worldwide. Pirbright studies arbovirus transmission using state-of-the-art containment facilities paired with a cadre of specialist scientists and a track record that extends to over forty years of research in this area. Using these resources we will investigate factors that drive the emergence, spread and persistence of arboviruses in the wider environment with an emphasis on providing environmentally sound counter-measures for the control of disease. Our primary research targets will be Culicoides biting midges and mosquitoes. Culicoides are the most important vectors of livestock arboviruses in Europe, transmitting bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses, while mosquito-borne arboviruses, such as dengue virus, incapacitate and kill more people each year than those transmitted by any other vector family._x000D__x000D_ We will examine the genetic and environmental drivers that enable arthropods to act as vectors of arboviruses with an emphasis on providing a range of tools that can be used to predict the probability of transmission. The specific methods used to study these vector groups will vary depending on the development and availability of key biological resources (e.g. suitable laboratory colonies; transcriptomes and genomes; associated cell lines) and informed by our existing track record, including working in high containment facilities. While in some arthropods (e.g. important mosquito vectors such as Aedes aegypti) these resources are vast and allow comparatively straightforward application of emerging technologies, other groups, in particular Culicoides are less tractable, largely due to the inability to produce relevant laboratory colony lines. Our aim is to provide a balanced approach that includes both cutting edge research of well characterised species of vector in the laboratory, combined with experiments based around less well characterised species of vector in the field. A major component of vector capacity is the ability of the arthropod to develop a transmissible infection with an arbovirus and will be a major focus of research within the ISP._x000D__x000D_ Arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and Culicoides can provide highly efficient dispersal and transmission vehicles for viruses, but also provide a potential target for intervention. In this objective we will develop novel approaches to understanding and interrupting virus transmission by arthropods. We will target vectorial capacity both by developing means to reduce the number of vectors (â€œpopulation suppressionâ€ methods) and through reducing individual vector competence (â€œrefractory insectsâ€). We will take a synthetic biology approach, using standardised approaches and sub-sections of the entire procedure to shorten each phase of the design-test-build cycle, and to produce more robust and flexible designs and genetic circuits. Despite the importance of arboviruses and their vectors, our understanding of critical aspects of vector biology remains poor, even for the most high-profile vector species. Similarly, arbovirus studies focus overwhelmingly on interaction with the vertebrate host, rather than with the arthropod. Work under this objective therefore comprises an integrated programme identifying and addressing specific knowledge gaps in fundamental understanding, as well as using current and project-derived tools and knowledge to assemble functional genetic circuits and systems for control._x000D__x000D_


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS;2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Health categories: INFECTION