Identification of salivary proteins in Aedes togoi (Theobald) that bind to mouse immunoglobulin E

Abstract

Mosquito saliva contains a number of immunogenic molecules that can induce allergic reactions in host animals. The oriental tiger mosquito, Aedes togoi (Theobald), feeds on both humans and animals and is also a vector of various pathogenic viruses. However, information on immunogenic antigens in the saliva of this mosquito species is scarce. In this study, we used immunohistochemical staining and confocal microscopy to determine the fine structure of the acini lobes of salivary glands of A. togoi. In addition, we identified proteins from salivary gland extracts that reacted to mouse immunoglobulin E in an immunoblot analysis. At least nine proteins, ranging in size from 10 to 145 kDa, bound to IgEs; a 33 and 57.5 kDa protein showed the strongest binding signal. Our results provide important information on the identities of potential allergens in mosquito saliva.