Arthropod Vectors and Disease Transmission: Translational Aspects

Numerous diseases are transmitted by arthropod vectors, and for many of those diseases, effective vaccines are still not available. The contribution of the vector to the process of pathogen transmission is often overlooked, despite providing new avenues for combating vector-borne diseases, some of which could complement and significantly enhance ongoing efforts. To explore novel approaches to fighting vector-borne diseases, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) convened a workshop with experts in parasite immunology, vector biology, and entomology (listed in Table 1), who discussed possibilities of translating these basic research ideas into potential commercial products. The feasibility of product development was analyzed for four types of approaches: the use of vector-derived factors, such as arthropod saliva, as vaccine candidates to prevent transmission; the evaluation of bioactive vector saliva proteins as novel drugs; the use of vector saliva molecules as biomarkers of vector exposure; and the modification of the vector microbiome to alter vector competence. Some of these approaches are highly promising, some are already quite advanced, and all have the potential to significantly reduce the transmission of vector-borne diseases. However, the discussions also revealed significant regulatory and market challenges in the path toward a commercial product, even for the most promising approaches.