AgBR1 and NeSt1 antisera protect mice from Aedes aegypti-borne Zika infection

Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily spread by Aedes. aegypti mosquitoes. Infection with ZIKV can result in diverse clinical symptoms in humans, ranging from mild to severe. Previously, we demonstrated that passive immunization against A. aegypti AgBR1 or NeSt1 antiserum, two mosquito saliva proteins that are transmitted with the virus, conferred partial protection against ZIKV in mice. Each individual antiserum altered the early host response in the skin and reduced viremia. Here, we show that passive immunization with a combination of AgBR1- and NeSt1-specific antibodies enhanced survival and reduced the viral burden in blood, thereby protecting mice from mosquito-borne ZIKV infection. This finding suggests that targeting a combination of mosquito saliva proteins, with AgBR1 and NeSt1 as model antigens, may be used as a vaccine strategy to help prevent mosquito-borne ZIKV infection. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Passive immunization with a combination of AgBR1- and NeSt1-specific antibodies enhanced survival and reduced the viral burden in blood, thereby protecting mice from mosquito-borne ZIKV infection.