WSU study shows insulin can increase mosquitoes' immunity to West Nile virus

(Washington State University) A discovery by a Washington State University-led research team has the potential to inhibit the spread of West Nile virus as well as Zika and dengue viruses. The researchers demonstrated that mammalian insulin activated an antiviral immunity pathway in mosquitoes, increasing the insects' ability to suppress the viruses. Since mosquito bites are the most common way humans are infected with West Nile, stopping the virus among the insects would protect human health.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news