Non-genetic determinants of mosquito competence for malaria parasites

PLoS Pathog. 2013;9(6):e1003365. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003365. Epub 2013 Jun 20.

Abstract

Understanding how mosquito vectors and malaria parasites interact is of fundamental interest, and it also offers novel perspectives for disease control. Both the genetic and environmental contexts are known to affect the ability of mosquitoes to support malaria development and transmission, i.e., vector competence. Although the role of environment has long been recognized, much work has focused on host and parasite genetic effects. However, the last few years have seen a surge of studies revealing a great diversity of ways in which non-genetic factors can interfere with mosquito-Plasmodium interactions. Here, we review the current evidence for such environmentally mediated effects, including ambient temperature, mosquito diet, microbial gut flora, and infection history, and we identify additional factors previously overlooked in mosquito-Plasmodium interactions. We also discuss epidemiological implications, and the evolutionary consequences for vector immunity and parasite transmission strategies. Finally, we propose directions for further research and argue that an improved knowledge of non-genetic influences on mosquito-Plasmodium interactions could aid in implementing conventional malaria control measures and contribute to the design of novel strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Culicidae / metabolism*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / physiology*
  • Insect Vectors / metabolism*
  • Malaria / metabolism
  • Malaria / transmission*
  • Plasmodium / physiology*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by ANR grant 11-PDOC-006-01 to TL and the European Community's Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007–2013) to AC under grant agreements n°242095 and n°223736. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.