Mosquito salivary sialokinin reduces monocyte activation and chikungunya virus-induced inflammation via neurokinin receptors.

ABSTRACT: Global warming is expanding mosquito habitats and increasing mosquito-borne diseases. In tropical and sub-tropical regions, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes has become a major concern due to the debilitating chronic joint disease it causes. Mosquito saliva contains bioactive factors that enhance viral infection, with sialokinin identified as a key contributor to vascular leakage and viral spread in mice. Here, we demonstrate that sialokinin binds to neurokinin receptors and restricts the activation of human myeloid cells. Mechanistically, sialokinin facilitates early viral dissemination, as evidenced by increased viral load in the contralateral footpad at 1 day post-infection, and significantly reduces circulating CD169+ monocytes while suppressing IFN-γ-producing

SUBMITTER: Fong SW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12537910 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature