| Abstract: | The success of vector borne disease transmission depends on the interplay between mosquito and pathogen. Understanding the genetic and molecular basis of refractoriness of mosquito may lead to novel disease control mechanisms. To complete the life cycle within the vector mosquito, a pathogen needs to overcome several physical barriers, such as the peritrophic matrix, midgut epithelium, or salivary glands. The immune response of the mosquito has to be neutralized or avoided. Genomic approaches are being employed to identify the genetic and molecular differences between selected strains of refractory and susceptible mosquitoes. Detailed molecular genetic maps based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and microsatellite (or simple sequence repeat) markers have been developed for two important vectors, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae, respectively. Recent success in genetic localization of quantitative trait loci controlling refractoriness/susceptibility of mosquitoes for Plasmodium and Brugian microfilariae provides a framework for further molecular characterization. Libraries of large genomic DNA inserts in bacterial or yeast artificial chromosomes (BACs and YACs) will facilitate physical mapping of the genetic loci controlling refractoriness. Identification of candidate refractory genes, and the cloning of other molecular markers for the mosquito immunity, provides tools for fruitful analysis of mosquito-parasite interactions. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
