Identification of lectins as virus competitors in aphid vectors: from fundamental to applied approaches

Aphids remain difficult virus vectors to be controlled in many crops. Within this context of biological control against aphids and investigation on virus transmission (both non persistent Potato virus Y (PVY) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) and persistent Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus, the use of lectins was developed. Indeed, the effects of lectin binding to glycoprotein aphid receptors on virus transmission were tested in laboratory via the use of artificial diets using different virus models. Differential effects on virus transmission efficiency were determined. By example, a strong interference between GNA and PVY was observed. In consequence, the lectin was considered as promising proteins and could be potential competitors to virus. For further research, a fast protein liquid chromatography was performed to identify aphid proteins related to binding to efficient lectin competitors. Moreover, to detect involved proteins in aphids, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis approach coupled to mass spectrometry was developped to identify the glycosylated proteins determining virus transmission efficiency. Use of lectins for both fundamental and applied approaches were discussed to investigate aphid – virus interaction