Combating mosquito-borne diseases using genetic control technologies

Guan Hong Wang, Stephanie Gamez, Robyn R. Raban, John M. Marshall, Luke Alphey, Ming Li, Jason L. Rasgon, Omar S. Akbari

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

104 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue and malaria, pose significant global health burdens. Unfortunately, current control methods based on insecticides and environmental maintenance have fallen short of eliminating the disease burden. Scalable, deployable, genetic-based solutions are sought to reduce the transmission risk of these diseases. Pathogen-blocking Wolbachia bacteria, or genome engineering-based mosquito control strategies including gene drives have been developed to address these problems, both requiring the release of modified mosquitoes into the environment. Here, we review the latest developments, notable similarities, and critical distinctions between these promising technologies and discuss their future applications for mosquito-borne disease control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number4388
JournalNature communications
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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