Achmad Tauvicky

Biology Department Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

Rike Oktarianti

Biology Department Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

Kartika Senjarini

Biology Department Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/jid.v27i1.60011

ABSTRACT 

The salivary glands of Aedes albopictus are known to contain various bioactive proteins that play important roles in the blood-feeding process, such as anticoagulants, immunomodulators, and platelet aggregation inhibitors. However, information about protein profile of Ae. albopictus salivary glands obtained through the human landing collection method remains limited. This study aimed to analyze the protein profile of Ae. albopictus salivary glands as an initial step in identifying bioactive proteins. Mosquitoes were collected using the human landing collection method and morphologically identified based on the characteristics of the mesonotum, mesepimeron, and anterior mid femur. Salivary gland isolation was carried out using a microdissection technique, followed by protein extraction and analysis using the SDS-PAGE method. The results revealed 13 protein bands with molecular weights of 16, 17, 23, 26, 28, 30, 31, 47, 51, 55, 60, 67, and 73 kDa. Proteins within the 60–70 kDa range are presumed to contain apyrase, which functions in inhibiting platelet aggregation, while proteins within the 40–55 kDa belong to the serpin group, functioning as protease inhibitors. The 31 kDa protein is presumed to belong to the D7 protein family, which has vasodilatory, immunomodulatory, and anticoagulant activities. In addition, the 27-29 kDa fraction represents immunogenic proteins commonly found in Aedes species, 17 kDa fraction contains lectins that function in opsonization and help control microbial growth in the mosquito midgut.

Keywords: Aedes albopictus, human landing collection, salivary gland proteins.