Localization of midgut-specific protein antigens from Aedes aegypti (Diptera : Culicidae) using monoclonal antibodies

Most insect transmitted pathogens interact with the midgut of their vectors for infection and in some cases, development Therefore, molecules associat ed with the midgut epithelium in direct contact with pathogens may be poten tial targets of infection-blocking measures. Here, we identify midgut-speci fic protein antigens from Aedes aegypti (L.) using monoclonal antibodies. S ixty-four monoclonal antibodies were generated with reactivity to the mosqu ito midgut, five of which are reported in this article. Three monoclonal an tibodies identified protein antigens localized at the midgut epithelial sur face (the brush border) and the peritrophic membrane. In addition, two mono clonal antibodies recognized mosquito nucleus-specific proteins by immunofl uorescence microscopy. Because potential target antigens for blocking trans mission of pathogens most likely are located at the interface of mosquito-p athogen interactions, these monoclonal antibodies could provide valuable to ols for studying midgut-specific proteins and interactions of the mosquito midgut with pathogens.