Genetic control of malaria transmission: a salivary gland-centric perspective

Mosquitoes are the deadliest organisms on Earth, as they transmit a wide range of medically important diseases, posing a major public health threat worldwide. Controlling vector-borne diseases presents numerous challenges, and the alarming rise in their incidence underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies, with genetic control offering a promising approach. Genetic engineering of mosquitoes requires a profound understanding of mosquito physiology and molecular aspects of host-pathogen interactions. Over the years, several stages of the Plasmodium parasite development within the mosquito have been extensively studied, with many molecular mechanisms successfully elucidated. However, important features of the parasite journey remain unclear, particularly the sporozoite's ability to recognize and invade the salivary glands. This process involves a complex interplay of proteins and other molecules, yet much remains to be discovered about the precise mechanisms at play. Advancing our knowledge of this critical step will be instrumental in designing more effective transgenes for genetic control strategies, particularly those aimed at mosquito population replacement.