Wolbachia as translational science: controlling mosquito-borne pathogens

In this review we examine how exploiting the Wolbachia–mosquito relationship has become an increasingly popular strategy for controlling arbovirus transmission. Field deployments of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes have led to significant decreases in dengue virus incidence via high levels of mosquito population suppression and replacement, emphasizing the success of Wolbachia approaches. Here, we examine how improved knowledge of Wolbachia–host interactions has provided key insight into the mechanisms of the essential phenotypes of pathogen blocking and cytoplasmic incompatibility. And we discuss recent studies demonstrating that extrinsic factors, such as ambient temperature, can modulate Wolbachia density and maternal transmission. Finally, we assess the prospects of using Wolbachia to control other vectors and agricultural pest species. Wolbachia population suppression interventions reduce mosquito population size by 78–95%. Population replacement interventions can lead to establishment of Wolbachia in wild mosquitoes and significantly reduce dengue incidence.Extrinsic factors, including temperature, which can reduce Wolbachia density and impact the Wolbachia–host relationship, could be impacting intervention efficacy.Identification of the genetic basis of cytoplasmic incompatibility provides a platform to improve understanding of the phenotype in transinfected mosquitoes, including genetic variation and moderating factors.Pathogen blocking is an essential part of population replacement interventions, but still has no clear mechanism and is subject to potential weakening through a changing host–symbiont relationship or viral resistance.The use of Wolbachia to control agricultural pests is gathering momentum.