Genetically engineered mosquitoes become "flying vaccinators"

In a classic tale of 'using their powers for good instead of evil', scientists have capitalised on the ability of mosquitoes to transmit pathogens by co-opting it to deliver vaccines instead.

Researchers from the Jichi Medical University in Japan have genetically engineered the Anopheles stephensi strain of mosquitoes - most infamous for their role in spreading malaria - modifying their saliva gland to deliver a vaccine protecting against the parasite, Leishmania.

“Following bites, protective immune responses are induced, just like a conventional vaccination but with no pain and no cost,” said research lead, Associate Professor Shigeto Yoshida.

“What’s more continuous exposure to bites will maintain high levels of protective immunity, through natural boosting, for a life time. So the insect shifts from being a pest to being beneficial.”

In the study, Yoshida's team found that bites from the transgenic mosquito raised the levels of antibodies in the bitten.

However, it's a bit premature to stop swatting mosquitoes around the house if you're worried about maintaining protection against disease. Such a method of vaccinating large populations is unlikely to be rolled out any time soon for ethical reasons.

Having an uncontrolled swarm of vaccinating mosquitoes in the wild could conceivably violate an individual's right to choose whether to become vaccinated or not.

Then there's the public perception issue of welcoming mosquitoes on to the side of good rather than evil, which might be a substantial barrier to overcome.

Still, the research represents an intriguing breakthrough in co-opting nature to aid us in our fight against disease.

The research was published in the Insect Molecular Biology.