Singapore scientists have shown that a tiny protein found in mosquito saliva can actually change how the human body reacts to the chikungunya virus (CHIKV).
The research, published in Nature Communications, focused on sialokinin, a bioactive peptide produced by Aedes mosquitoes. It attaches to neurokinin receptors on immune cells, slowing the activation of monocytes. This slowing reduces early inflammation, giving the virus a better chance to spread throughout the body.
“Our study proves mosquito saliva isn’t just a vehicle for viruses,” said Dr. Siew‑Wai Fong, senior scientist at the *ASTAR Infectious Diseases Labs**. “The saliva actively rewires the host’s immune system.”
The findings have two big implications. First, they explain why some people develop severe chikungunya symptoms – patients with higher antibodies against sialokinin had more intense disease. Second, blocking sialokinin or its receptor could become a new way to cut inflammation and improve outcomes for CHIKV and possibly other mosquito‑borne viruses.
Chikungunya, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, is known for painful joint swelling that can linger for months. This new study underlines how the bite itself shapes the disease, especially as climate change expands mosquito habitats. Targeting salivary proteins like sialokinin may open fresh paths for prevention and treatment.
Source: ianslive
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