RNAi-mediated antiviral immunity in insects and their possible application

Abstract

Antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) in insects is known for some time. Previously, data from the model organism Drosophila was lightly transferred to other insects. However, since more research is performed on other insects, both similarities and important differences among the RNAi pathways of insects are revealed. The piRNA pathway, for example, is suggested to have antiviral functions in mosquitoes, which is unknown for other insects. Moreover, production of viral cDNA from RNA viruses during infection and their possible incorporation into the genome hint towards potential inheritable immunity in mosquitoes. Increased knowledge of antiviral RNAi pathways has initiated efforts to engineer insects resistant to viral infections. New advances in genome editing will further stimulate this process.