Alphaviruses and their role in elucidating antiviral responses in mosquitoes

The interaction between mosquito vectors and arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) such as alphaviruses of the Togaviridae family has long been of central interest to virologists. Indeed, the infection-induced processes and outcomes appear to differ considerably between vertebrate and arthropod hosts. Control of arbovirus infection in mosquitoes by host immune responses is beginning to be elucidated. Much of this progress is due to research using alphaviruses. Additionally, the detailed understanding of their replicative processes, and also the sophisticated molecular tools available to manipulate these viruses, have been used to great advantage. This chapter will give insights into the interactions of alphaviruses with vector immunity, and the nature of these responses