Mosquito immunity and its defense against malaria parasite

Mosquito immunity serves as a critical factor limiting the development of Plasmodium parasites within mosquitoes. Unlike vertebrate, mosquitoes rely solely on innate immune responses, which nonetheless effectively suppress Plasmodium development. This review outlines the components and characteristics of the mosquito immune system and summarizes recent advances in understanding immune responses targeting ookinetes, oocysts on the midgut basal lamina, and sporozoites in the hemolymph and salivary glands. It highlights mosquito immune strategies during the two developmental bottlenecks of Plasmodium —pre- and post-oocyst formation, as well as key unresolved scientific questions in the field. This review aims not only provide a crucial theoretical underpinning for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of Plasmodium transmission and developing novel malaria transmission-blocking strategies, but also guide future research directions. • This review highlights mosquito immune strategies at Plasmodium—pre- and post-oocyst bottlenecks and unresolved questions, providing a theoretical basis for blocking malaria transmission and guiding future research.