[en] Aphids are well known for their role in virus transmission to host plant. In some cases, the
virus is transmitted from plant to plant simply attached to the cuticule of the mouthparts or the
forget. For other, circulative virus transmission based on virion internalization through the
aphid gut followed by transfer to salivary glands and finally to next plant during aphid feeding
is required. In both situations, presence of receptor components through the digestive tract of
the aphids is needed for virus binding and further transmission to next plants even if not
localized at the same place. In order to investigate the specific binding of virus on particular
aphid receptors, two aphid-virus models were selected to be tested using several lectins
showing differential sugar binding specificities. Virus transmission efficacy assays with
Myzus persicae and potato virus but also Acyrthosiphon pisum and pea enation mosaic virus
were performed using a range of lectins to assess the potential competition of lectins and
virus. Some interesting lectins were found to reduce the virus transmission with a 2 fold factor
showing potential use of lectin in virus spread control. The aphids were also investigated by a
proteomic approach using a two Dimension-Differential in Gel Electrophoresis (2D-Dige)
coupled with mass spectrometry to determine the aphid proteins involved in virus
transmissions. Head or digestive tubes of aphids were collected and investigated for non
persistant or persistant virus models respectively. Differential abilities of aphids to transmit
the selected virus models are discussed in relation with lectin affinity specificity and
investigated aphid proteins found to be involved in vector-virus interactions. The application
of lectin as potential way to reduce virus transmission by aphids will also be developed.
