title: Trypanosome Transmission Dynamics in Tsetse.
abstract: Tsetse flies (Diptera:Glossinidae) are vectors of African trypanosomes. Tsetse undergo viviparous reproductive biology, and depend on their obligate endosymbiont (genusWigglesworthia) for the maintenance of fecundity and immune system development. Trypanosomes establish infections in the midgut and salivary glands of the fly. Tsetse's resistance to trypanosome infection increases as a function of age. Among the factors that mediate resistance to parasites are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by the Immune deficiency (Imd) signaling pathway, peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP) LB, tsetse-EP protein and the integrity of the midgut peritrophic matrix (PM) barrier. The presence of obligateWigglesworthiaduring larval development is essential for adult immune system maturation and PM development. Thus,Wigglesworthiaprominently influences the vector competency of it's tsetse host.
authors.forename: Serap
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aksoy
authors.forename: Brian L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: Geoff M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Attardo