Abstract
Mosquitoes serve as the obligate vectors for the transmission of malaria parasites. During its sexual life cycle within the mosquito, the parasite must undergo several morphological changes and overcome developmental bottlenecks to ensure its successful transmission to a new vertebrate host. Here we review our current understanding of the molecular interactions that occur between Plasmodium parasites and its mosquito (Genus: Anopheles) host, from the initial uptake of gametocytes in the blood meal to the delivery of sporozoites through the bite of the mosquito. By reviewing our understanding of the physical and molecular barriers that the parasite must evade and endure, we hope to capitalize upon our knowledge to develop strategies to interfere with malaria transmission.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 119-149 |
Number of pages | 31 |
Journal | Advances in Insect Physiology |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | C |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- Host-parasite interactions
- Malaria
- Mosquito
- Plasmodium
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Insect Science