Developing a Vaccine to Block West Nile Virus Transmission: In Silico Studies, Molecular Characterization, Expression, and Blocking Activity of Culex pipiens mosGCTL-1

Background: Mosquito galactose-specific C-type lectins (mosGCTLs), such as mosGCTL-1, act ligands to facilitate the invasion of flaviviruses like West Nile virus (WNV). WNV interacts with mosGCTL-1 Aedes aegypti (Culicidae) and facilitates this virus. Nevertheless, there is no data about role a transmission-blocking vaccine candidate in Culex pipiens, most abundant Culicinae mosquito temperate regions. Methods: Adult female Cx. pipiens mosquitoes were experimentally infected infectious blood meal, effect rabbit anti-rmosGCTL-1 antibodies on replication was evaluated. Additionally, silico studies prediction protein structure, homology modeling, molecular interactions carried out. Results: We showed 30% blocking activity polyclonal (compared 10% control group) decrease infection rates at day 5 post-infection, suggesting that may be other proteins midgut could cooperative-receptors for WNV. In addition, docking results revealed binds high affinity, lectin receptors. Conclusions: Our do not support idea primarily promote viral infection, mosGCTLs primary factors pipiens.