Grant: Project Grant

Mosquito-borne diseases are a major global health concern, affecting over 300 million people annually and causing about 1 million deaths. These diseases, including Malaria, Dengue fever, and West Nile virus, have seen a significant increase in prevalence and geographical spread over the past decade, likely due to climate change. Traditionally, small molecule insecticides have been crucial in controlling mosquito populations and limiting disease transmission. However, mosquitoes have developed resistance to these chemicals, primarily through increased production of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which help them break down and eliminate insecticides. To address this urgent problem of insecticide-resistance, we have developed a new cell-based screening technology. Our approach identifies compounds that are transformed into lethal metabolites by the mosquito's P450 enzymes, effectively turning their resistance mechanism against them. Using this technology, we have already identified 8 distinct families of compounds activated by mosquito P450s in cell-based tests. Here, we aim to further exploit our technology to identify more novel candidate insecticides. In addition, we will test all novel candidate insecticides against larval and adult mosquitoes (both insecticide-resistant and sensitive). To do this, we have partnered with University of Wisconsin mosquito biologists and the renowned Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) institution. The IVCC is a not-for-profit institution with a rich history of success in bringing products to market to help combat several global diseases. Our ultimate goal is to create a commercial product that can be incorporated into bed nets and clothing to protect against both insecticide-resistant and sensitive mosquitoes. By developing these new tools to combat mosquito-borne diseases, we hope to protect millions of people from mosquito-borne diseases and improve the health of populations worldwide.