Peritrophic matrix proteins of Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti.

Little is known about the composition and function of the mosquito peritrophic matrix (PM), a physical barrier that pathogens must traverse to complete their life cycles. Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti PM proteins induced by blood or by a protein-free meal have been characterized by the use of 2-D gel electrophoresis and lectin-binding affinity assays. More than forty proteins have been identified in both species. Over half of the PM proteins of both mosquitoes migrate identically. Many PM proteins appear to be glycosylated, primarily by high mannose N-linked glycosyl groups.