Raw data_<b>Exapted endogenous viral elements concur in controlling cell fusing agent virus infection in </b><b><i>Aedes albopictus</i></b>

The genome of <i>Aedes spp.</i> mosquitoes host hundreds of non-retroviral endogenous viral elements (nrEVEs), the majority of which are confined in piRNA clusters and were shown to be antiviral through P-element-induced wimpy testis-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) production. However, whether this is a universal mechanism or some nrEVEs have been exapted for antiviral functions as transcribed RNA or translated proteins remains elusive. To explore the extent of nrEVE-associated antiviral functions, we used the Asian tiger mosquito <i>Aedes albopictus</i> and the cell fusing agent virus, a component of the mosquito virome for which we identified four nrEVEs not mapping within piRNA clusters and encompassing complete viral open reading frames. We combined <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments to show antiviral effects of three nrEVEs with one, Flavi24, being translated in adult mosquitoes. Our results expand the functions of <i>Ae. albopictus</i> nrEVEs suggesting they can regulate host-virus interactions through various mechanisms.