Mosquito-borne viruses remain a major global health concern, affecting millions annually. While much attention has focused on viral pathogenesis, the immunological impact of mosquito saliva during infection is less understood. When mosquitoes bite, they not only transmit viruses but also inject saliva containing bioactive molecules that interact directly with host.
Studies show that mosquito saliva alone can modulate immune responses, with effects detectable up to seven days post-bite. We hypothesise that mosquito salivary immune modulators may enhance viral replication and dissemination by altering host immunity. Using chikungunya virus as a model, our research investigates how specific salivary proteins influence the early immune landscape and affect infection.
This talk will highlight our findings on the immunomodulatory properties of mosquito saliva, including molecular profiling of salivary components and their impact on viral responses. By uncovering how saliva shapes host–pathogen interactions, we aim to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention and vector-based disease prevention.
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