Gene drive to reduce malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa

TLDR

Malaria remains a major cause of death and illness in sub‑Saharan Africa, and although gene‑drive technology offers a promising way to suppress mosquitoes or reduce their vector competence, no field‑ready construct exists and resistance evolution must be carefully monitored. The authors aim to advance and critically evaluate gene‑drive strategies for malaria control.

Abstract

Despite impressive progress, malaria continues to impose a substantial burden of mortality and morbidity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and new tools will be needed to achieve elimination. Gene drive is a natural process by which some genes are inherited at a greater-than-Mendelian rate and can spread through a population even if they cause harm to the organisms carrying them. Many different synthetic gene drive systems have been proposed to suppress the number of mosquitoes and/or reduce vector competence. As with any control measure, due attention should be paid to the possible evolution of resistance. No gene drive construct has yet been reported that is 'field-ready' for release, and when such constructs are developed, they should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Gene drive approaches to vector control promise to have a number of key features that motivate their continued development, and scrutiny, by all concerned.