Description

Expression within insects of foreign antiparasitic gene products via microbial symbionts could be used to prevent transmission of vector-borne pathogens to vertebrate hosts. Genetically transformed symbiotic bacteria Rhodococcus rhodnii expressed functional antibody fragments (rDB3 encoding murine V(H)/K which binds progesterone) that were exported into the gut lumen of the triatomine bug Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), a vector of Chagas disease. Transgenic symbionts were maintained in successive nymphal instars and adults of Rhodnius prolixus despite competition with native untransformed Rhodococcus rhodnii. This is the first description of a functional mammalian antibody fragment expressed in an insect. Our system is a model for constructing paratransgenic insects (insects carrying transformed symbionts) with compromised ability to transmit pathogens.