Using bacteria to express and display anti-Plasmodium molecules in the mosquito midgut

Int J Parasitol. 2007 May;37(6):595-603. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.12.002. Epub 2006 Dec 28.

Abstract

Bacteria capable of colonizing mosquito midguts are attractive vehicles for delivering anti-malaria molecules. We genetically engineered Escherichia coli to display two anti-Plasmodium effector molecules, SM1 and phospholipase-A(2), on their outer membrane. Both molecules significantly inhibited Plasmodium berghei development when engineered bacteria were fed to mosquitoes 24h prior to an infective bloodmeal (SM1=41%, PLA2=23%). Furthermore, prevalence and numbers of engineered bacteria increased dramatically following a bloodmeal. However, E. coli survived poorly in mosquitoes. Therefore, Enterobacter agglomerans was isolated from mosquitoes and selected for midgut survival by multiple passages through mosquitoes. After four passages, E. agglomerans survivorship increased from 2 days to 2 weeks. Since E. agglomerans is non-pathogenic and widespread, it is an excellent candidate for paratransgenic control strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anopheles / parasitology*
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / genetics*
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / genetics*
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology*
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Plasmodium berghei / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan