Insights into host-virus interactions: Using a metabolomics approach to study Aedes aegypti-Dengue virus compatibility

Approximately half of the world population lives in areas with circulating dengue virus (DENV) and are at risk of contracting an infection. DENV infection can cause severe complications, including hemorrhagic fever and death. Currently, no effective vaccines or drugs are available for treating DENV infection in humans, making vector control the most efficacious strategy for preventing infection. DENV is principally transmitted by Aedes aegypti; however, not all female Ae. aegypti will transmit the virus. Our group has identified two populations of Ae. aegypti in Cali, Colombia, that are refractory (do not transmit, Cali-MIB) or susceptible (Cali-S) to the virus. Here, we utilized metabolic and lipidomic profiling to identify changes in host metabolism that correlate with DENV resistance or susceptibility. This research has identified multiple compounds and metabolic pathways altered in Cali-MIB populations after DENV infection. These compounds should be further investigated to understand their role in DENV infection.