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Role of distinct midgut cell types in the Cx. tarsalis - WNV interaction

Award Number: R21AI202005
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/19/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2028

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Role of distinct midgut cell types in the Cx. tarsalis - WNV interaction - Project Summary/Abstract. Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) such as West Nile virus (WNV), chikungunya, and Zika continue to burden public health, yet the specific cells that control mosquito vector competence and influence transmission remain poorly defined. The mosquito midgut is where ingested virus first replicates: anatomical and virus population barriers associated with infection and escape from this tissue are well described. Our extensive preliminary studies demonstrated that enteroendocrine cells (EEs), specialized secretory cells that influence feeding, satiety, and salivation in several organisms, support significantly higher WNV loads compared to other types of midgut epithelial cells. Our hypothesis is that EEs are central regulators of WNV replication, diversification, and transmission, acting both directly by sustaining virus replication and indirectly by altering mosquito feeding behaviors. To test this, Aim 1 will use dissociated cells from colonized Cx. tarsalis mosquitoes infected by barcoded WNV, flow cytometry, and sequencing to quantify the impact of EEs and other midgut cell types on WNV load and population diversity. Aim 2 will use RNAi to experimentally manipulate EE abundance in the midgut to quantify effects on mosquito blood feeding and salivation, and thus WNV transmission potential. This proposed project is significant because it will assess the role of specific midgut cells (EEs) in WNV vector competence and evolution. Our work is innovative because it integrates cellular, molecular, and behavioral analyses to show how specific midgut cell types may shape WNV transmission dynamics. Proposed studies also will generate fundamental insights into how arboviruses exploit host biology to favor their perpetuation.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $192,500 )
2026	2026	COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY	601 S HOWES ST	FORT COLLINS	CO	80521	LARIMER	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	8/20/2026	NEW	$192,500
														Subtotal = $192,500

Grand Total All Awards = $192,500

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Role of distinct midgut cell types in the Cx. tarsalis - WNV interaction

Award Number: R21AI202005

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/19/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2028

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