Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 135-146 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 135 Feature Review Open Access Molecular Interactions between Mosquito Vectors and Pathogens Yunping Huang, Jia Xuan Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: jia.xuan@jicat.org Journal of Mosquito Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0014 Received: 28 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 10 May, 2024 Published: 31 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Huang and Xuan, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Huang Y.P., and Xuan J., 2024, Molecular interactions between mosquito vectors and pathogens, Journal of Mosquito Research, 14(3): 135-146 (doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0014) Abstract The interaction between mosquito vectors and pathogens is a key factor in the epidemiology of many infectious diseases, such as dengue, Zika virus, and malaria. Mosquitoes are not only carriers of pathogens, but also an environment in which pathogens can replicate and evolve. Therefore, disrupting the life cycle of pathogens in mosquito vectors can significantly reduce disease transmission. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms that control pathogen entry, survival, replication, and transmission in mosquito vectors. By employing a range of molecular tools, including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches, as well as advanced technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, we studied how pathogens recognize and bind to host cells, the pathways they use for entry, and their strategies to evade immunity and survive inside cells. This study reveals the potential of new molecular targets for vector control and disease prevention, which could lead to more effective public health interventions and reduce the global burden of mosquito-borne diseases. Keywords Mosquito vectors; Pathogen interactions; Molecular mechanisms; Vector control; Disease transmission 1 Introduction Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance; they are vectors for some of the most devastating diseases affecting humans and animals. The interactions between mosquito vectors and the pathogens they transmit are complex and multifaceted, involving a myriad of molecular mechanisms. Understanding these interactions at a molecular level is crucial for developing effective strategies to control mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes are vectors for a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Notable among these are the dengue virus, transmitted by Aedes aegypti, and the malaria parasite, Plasmodium, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The genetic makeup of both the mosquito and the pathogen plays a significant role in determining the efficiency of transmission. For instance, specific interactions between dengue viruses and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been mapped to discrete loci in the mosquito genome, revealing a complex genetic architecture that influences vector competence. Similarly, the interaction between Plasmodium and Anopheles mosquitoes involves intricate molecular mechanisms that are still being unraveled (Altinli et al., 2021). Studying the molecular interactions between mosquito vectors and pathogens is of paramount importance for several reasons. It provides insights into the evolutionary arms race between mosquitoes and the pathogens they transmit. For example, the genetic manipulation of vector mosquitoes has shown promise in reducing their ability to transmit diseases by interfering with pathogen development (Gabrieli et al., 2021). Understanding these interactions can lead to the identification of novel targets for genetic or chemical interventions. Transcriptomic profiling has revealed that certain mosquito strains exhibit increased basal-level immune activation, which can be leveraged to develop new strategies for disease control. The study of symbiotic interactions between mosquitoes and mosquito-specific viruses offers new avenues for controlling arbovirus transmission (Altinli et al., 2021). This study mainly elucidates the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between mosquito vectors and the pathogens they transmit. This involves comprehensive analysis of genetic, transcriptomic and proteomic data to identify key factors that affect vector competence. The scope of research includes studying the molecular interactions between Plasmodium and Anopheles to understand how these parasites manipulate their hosts;
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