Field and laboratory trials of a natural sterol carrier protein inhibitor (SCPI) against larval and adult mosquitoes

Insects are unable to synthesize cholesterol de novo and must rely on dietary sources of cholesterol. The transport of lipids is partially aided by the sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2). High-throughput chemical library screening has revealed several sterol carrier protein inhibitors. Of the chemicals screened, a naturally derived SCPI, #4015, proved to be the most effective against mosquito larvae. In the current study, the biological activity of #4015 against larval and adult mosquitoes was determined in laboratory and semi-field conditions. Laboratory biological assays were performed against Aedes aegypti (Orlando), Aedes aegypti (Rockefellar), Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Culex pipiens pipiens, and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. Adult Aedes aegypti (Orlando) were used for topical application. Semi-field trials of #4015 were conducted at the USDA-ARS-CMAVE in Gainesville, FL using Aedes aegypti (Orlando), Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus.