Tracing the evolutionary history of insect-specific orthoflavivirus through phylogenetics

In this chapter, we trace the evolutionary history of insect-specific orthoflaviviruses (ISOFs) through phylogenetics, integrating current knowledge about their discovery, diversity, evolution, and ecological dynamics. We discuss the distinction between classical insect-specific orthoflaviviruses (cISOFs) and dual-host affiliated insect-specific orthoflaviviruses (dISOFs), evaluating their phylogenetic relationships with mosquito-borne orthoflaviviruses (MBOFs) and their evolutionary and biological implications. The chapter further explores viral maintenance mechanisms, host restriction, and virus-virus interactions in mosquitoes, emphasizing their ecological and epidemiological relevance. Additionally, we discuss applied perspectives, highlighting the potential of ISOFs as platforms for vaccine development, antiviral research, and innovative biological control strategies against arboviruses.