The scientific activities of this project will identify the factors and pathways regulating immunity against Plasmodium parasites and provide molecular insights into the reproductive processes essential for the fertility and fecundity of the mosquito, the two crucial aspects of mosquito biology at the basis of development of transmission-blocking interventions. The knowledge gained will be instrumental to determine at the molecular level how modulation of immune factors affects reproductive success in vector populations, and how reproductive efforts influence the immune status of mosquitoes and parasite development. Polymorphisms of key molecules regulating reproduction and immunity will be characterised in the natural populations across sub-tropical Africa, and the key factors that shape local vector populations will be identified.

Latest news

CNRS senior researcher Jules Hoffmann awarded 2011 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine 

Findings of the MalVecBlok’s researchers present a potential strategy to control spread of malaria:

- “Female mosquitoes tricked by spermaless males”, Natasha Gilbert, naturenews, 8 August 2011

- “Flaminia Catteruccia, l’italiana a caccia della zanzara  Ogm antimalaria”, IGN, 10 August 2011