<i>Serratia</i> species as paratransgenic vehicles: potential applications in vector-borne disease control

SUMMARYParatransgenesis employs insect-associated bacteria to deliver antipathogen effectors and is an emergent complementary strategy for vector control. This review synthesizes current evidence for <i>Serratia</i> species as paratransgenic vehicles, combining mechanistic insights into effector molecules (e.g., scorpine, MP2, multi-fusion constructs, and the naturally secreted antimalarial lipase AmLip), with comparative evidence on colonization, transmission, and efficacy. <i>Serratia</i> strains (e.g., AS1, Su_YN1) demonstrate rapid dissemination in laboratory populations and potent reductions in <i>Plasmodium</i> development (reported oocyst inhibition in laboratory studies ranging from ~60% to >90% for specific effectors). We critically examine biosafety, genetic stability, and ecological factors and propose a minimum evidence package and translational roadmap comprising multigeneration stability assays, horizontal gene transfer monitoring, non-target impact assessments, and community and regulatory engagement to responsibly advance Serratia-based paratransgenesis toward field evaluation. This comparative framing integrates <i>Serratia</i>-focused detail with the broader paratransgenesis literature to clarify both its promise and remaining knowledge gaps.