Vector Biology

Malaria remains a devastating disease, claiming half a million lives every year, primarily those of children in subtropical regions. The transmission of the Plasmodium parasite is inextricably linked to the Anopheles mosquito​​​​​​. The central research aim of the Vector Biology Research Unit is to unravel how mosquito immunity and metabolism shape malaria transmission at molecular and evolutionary levels. By analysing the genetic and metabolic interactions between mosquitoes and Plasmodium parasites, we aim to identify vulnerabilities in these interactions that could be exploited to disrupt malaria transmission at its source

Our research programme is anchored in the discovery of the mosquito complement-like system (CLS), which is crucial for vector competence and fertility. The central component of this system is the thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1), which is similar to the mammalian complement factor C3 and is essential for Plasmodium parasite killing in the mosquito midgut. Field studies in Africa have revealed that the genetic variability in TEP1 affects mosquito resistance to malaria-causing pathogens.

Our goal is to analyse Anopheles - P. falciparum interactions in a broader context. To this end, our research combines laboratory models and field studies to model mosquito-parasite interactions, taking into account signals from mosquitoes, parasites, and midgut microbiota (Figure 1).

 

To advance our scientific vision, our ongoing and future research program focuses on:

• Regulation of immune responses: We are developing and applying innovative methods to study mosquito immune regulation at cellular and organismal levels to identify key regulatory nodes that affect vector competence.
• Mosquito immunity and bacterial homeostasis: We investigate how immune deficiencies impact mosquito bacterial communities and Plasmodium development.
• Malaria transmission drivers: In collaboration with scientists in Mali and Silvia Portugal’s lab at MPIIB, we study how dynamics and genetics of mosquito populations during transition seasons shape Plasmodium abundance and malaria epidemiology.
• Functional genomics of P. falciparum: We explore Plasmodium colonization and maturation strategies within the mosquito to understand genetic and molecular determinants of parasite transmission.
• Translational applications: We use our research tools to develop interventions like monoclonal antibodies and vaccine design to reduce malaria transmission.

Through these integrated efforts, the Vector Biology Research Unit aims to transform our fundamental understanding of mosquito-parasite interactions and contribute foundational knowledge to the global fight against malaria and other vector-borne diseases.

 

Our research questions

• How is the mosquito complement-like system activated? (Tisheng Shan)
• How does the mosquito immune signaling impact midgut homeostasis? (Suzana Zakovic)
• What are the microbial drivers of mosquito midgut homeostasis and dysbiosis (Marly Erazo Lugo)
• How do human and mosquito lipids influence the infectivity of P. falciparum to both mosquitoes and humans? (Alex Penning and Sophia Kahler)
• What is the role of the parasite’s secretome in human-to-mosquito transmission and onward infection (Pablo Suarez Cortes)
• What are the diverse molecular strategies employed by Plasmodium parasites to colonize the mosquito midgut? (Ellen Hoppenz)
• What are the drivers of mosquito population dynamics during rainy season? (Annice Bowen)
• How do mosquito population dynamics drive transmission tipping points during dry-to-rainy season transitions? (Elisa Escabia)
• Can we improve current transmission-blocking malaria vaccines? (Giulia Costa)