A viral protease relocalizes in the presence of the vector to promote vector performance
C. CASTEEL (1), A. Bak (1), C. Yang (2), S. Whitham (2) (1) University of California, U.S.A.; (2) Iowa State University, U.S.A.

Vector-borne pathogens may influence host characteristics relevant to host-vector contact, increasing pathogen transmission and survival. Previously, we demonstrated that infection with Turnip mosaic virus, a member of one of the largest families of plant-infecting viruses, increases vector attraction and reproduction on infected hosts. These changes were due to the expression of a single viral protein, NIa-Pro. Here, we show NIa-Pro reversibly responds to the presence of the aphid vector during infection, relocalizing from the nucleus to the vacuole. Importantly, relocalization is required for NIa-Pro’s ability to increase aphid reproduction on host plants and this phenomenon occurs for other potyviruses. Taken together, these results suggest that the virus must somehow “recognize” the presence of the vector and respond actively, promoting insect performance and transmission through host plant changes when needed, a phenomenon that has not been previously demonstrated for any animal or plant viruses.

Abstract Number: C16-1
Session Type: Concurrent