Schematic representation of MALVECBLOK joint scientific activities.

The scientific questions that MALVECBLOK will address have been grouped into three main work packages (WP1-3), corresponding to the three biological processes targeted by this proposal: reproduction, immunity and population biology.

We will analyse the molecular components and pathways at the bases of mosquito reproductive success and those that shape immune responses against Plasmodium parasites, at the same time determining the relationship between these two processes fundamental to mosquito biology.

By performing population biology studies on both reproductive and immune genes we will also assess their importance in determining the structure of different vector populations, and possibly their role in speciation processes. The proposed activities will dramatically expand our knowledge on the biology of the malaria mosquito vector, with anticipated benefits for the study of other established or emerging vector-transmitted infectious diseases.

To achieve the many objectives of this project, a network of first class field and laboratory scientists has been assembled that will strengthen European research in malaria and will create invaluable opportunities for younger researchers to develop a scientific career. All scientific work packages in their own right have a strong potential to identify novel targets for interventions, however the strength and added value of the proposal lies in providing an integrative view of these processes.