Vector specificity of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) transmission: Identification of potential cellular receptors binding BYDV-MAV in the aphid, Sitobion avenae

Two proteins (SaM35 and SaM50) isolated from head tissues of the aphid vect or, Sitobion avenae, were identified as potential receptors for barley yell ow dwarf virus MAV isolate (Luteoviridae) based on MAV virus overlay assays and immunoblots of urea SDS 2-D gels. An anti-idiotypic antibody (MAV4 ant i-ID) that mimics an epitope on MAV virions and competes with MAV in antibo dy binding assays also bound to SaM50 and SaM35 and to six additional prote ins including a GroEL homolog. No MAV-binding proteins were detected from t he nonvector aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis, although MAV4 anti-ID did react w ith four proteins from R. maidis. It is hypothesized that SaM35 and SaM50 m ay be MAV receptors involved in MAV transmission based on their high affini ty for MAV and their unique association with the vector, S. avenae. The add itional aphid proteins binding the MAV4 anti-ID may represent less specific virus-binding proteins facilitating transmission through different aphid t issues. (C) 2001 Academic Press.