Molecular Coevolution of Anopheles Vectors and PlasmodiumParasites: Environmental Drivers of Host Pathogen GeneticInteractions

Abstract

The evolutionary relationship between Anopheles mosquito vectors and Plasmodium parasites represents one of the most intensively studied examples of host-pathogen coevolution. This dynamic interaction, shaped by millions of years of evolutionary pressure, has resulted in sophisticated molecular mechanisms governing parasite transmission, vector immunity, and the delicate balance between parasite survival and vector fitness. Climate change, habitat modification, and anthropogenic pressures significantly influence this coevolutionary arms race. This review examines the molecular genetic basis of vector-parasite interactions, exploring how environmental drivers shape immune evasion strategies, vector competence, and novel transmission patterns. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting disease emergence, designing effective control strategies, and anticipating environmental change consequences on malaria transmission.