Methods for identifying arthropod repellents and attractants, and compounds and compositions identified by such methods

Abstract

Provided herein are screening methods for identifying compounds for use as an arthropod repellent based on the masking or inhibition of the detection of the skin odor by a cpA neuron. Provided herein are also screening methods for identifying compounds for use as an arthropod attractant based on activation of the cpA neuron. Further provided are one or more compounds identified using the screening methods described herein, and compositions containing such compounds.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for identifying a compound that is a repellent for at least one arthropod species, comprising:
 a) providing a candidate compound and a skin odor;   b) providing a sample comprising a neuron, wherein the neuron expresses at least one of Gr1, Gr2, and Gr3 or any orthologs thereof;   c) contacting the candidate compound with the sample;   d) measuring the detection of the skin odor by the neuron;   e) comparing the detection of the skin odor by the neuron after contact with the candidate compound to the detection of the skin odor by the neuron in the absence of the candidate compound; and   f) identifying a compound that is a repellent for at least one arthropod species by determining whether or not the candidate compound masks or inhibits the detection of the skin odor by the neuron.