Quantitative genetics of Aedes aegypti vector competence for dengue viruses: towards a new paradigm?

Similar to many other host–pathogen interactions, the vector competence of Aedes aegypti for dengue viruses appears to be determined by genotype-by-genotype interactions, whereby the outcome of infection depends on the specific combination of mosquito and virus genotypes. This can complicate efforts to dissect the genetic basis of vector competence in nature because it obscures mapping between genotype and phenotype and brings into question the notion of universal mosquito resistance or susceptibility. Conversely, it offers novel opportunities to better define compatible vector–pathogen associations based on integration of both vector and pathogen genomics, which should eventually improve understanding of pathogen transmission dynamics and the risk of vector-borne disease emergence.