Leucokinin mimetic elicits aversive behavior in mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) and inhibits the sugar taste neuron

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Abstract
Significance: Kinin receptors are known in insects to contribute to osmotic regulation and are expressed in the excretory system, in the Malpighian tubules (renal organs), and in hindgut. We discovered that in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are important vectors of human disease, a kinin receptor is also expressed within taste hairs (sensilla) on the legs and mouthparts. A kinin analog engineered to be peptidase resistant activates this kinin receptor with high potency, inhibiting sucrose taste detection directly at the level of the taste organs and eliciting a fast and highly aversive response in females during feeding. This finding suggests that mosquito G protein-coupled receptors could be new targets for discovering compounds to deter mosquitoes and preventing them from feeding.

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