Metabolic interactions between disease-transmitting vectors and their microbiota

Disease-transmitting vectors are living organisms that pass infectious agents from one animal/human to another. The epidemiologically important vectors are usually hematophagous arthropods, including mosquitoes, ticks, triatome bugs, sand flies, and tsetse flies. All of them harbor an endogenous microbiota that functionally complements their host’s biology. Different arthropod vectors are ecologically and behaviorally distinct, and as such, their relationships with symbiotic microbes vary. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries that reveal how bacterial metabolic activities influence development, nutrition, and pathogen defense in mosquitoes, ticks, triatome bugs, and sand flies. These studies provide a foundation for a systematic understanding of vector–microbiota interactions and for the development of integrated approaches to control vector-borne diseases. Vectors transmit a variety of infectious pathogens that threaten animal and human health.The different life cycles, feeding habits, and habitats of these vectors lead to their association with diverse symbiotic microorganisms.Metabolic interactions between symbiotic microbes and vectors profoundly influence multiple aspects of vector biology.Harnessing and manipulating vector–microbe symbioses can provide potential targets for vector control.