"Life did not take over the globe by combat, but by networking.“

Animals are commonly associated with microbial partners interacting with them in intricate ways. Insects in particular commonly host intracellular bacteria capable of provisioning nutrients, manipulating reproduction, or protecting their hosts from pathogens. Intracellular Wolbachia, the most prevalent symbiont of insects and parasitic filarial nematodes, induces reproductive manipulations and antiviral protection in its hosts. These properties make Wolbachia useful in the control of vector-borne diseases, like dengue and Zika. Wolbachia is also a target in filariasis treatment. However, as Wolbachia cannot be cultured outside of host cells or genetically manipulated, the mechanisms of its action remain poorly explored, and this inhibits wider exploitation. We are adressing the mechanism of Wolbachia-conferred antiviral protection using whole flies and Drosophila cultured cells.