A key malaria metabolite modulates vector blood seeking, feeding, and susceptibility to infection

Siren molecule calls loudly to mosquitoes People infected by malaria become more attractive to the mosquito vectors of the disease, which facilitates the spread of malaria. Emami et al. found that red blood cells of the host respond to a parasite-derived isoprenoid called HMBPP by increasing the production of carbon dioxide and several monoterpenes and aldehydes. Mosquitoes fed HMBPP-spiked blood displayed malaria parasite–specific changes in gene transcription, which reinforced attractiveness for the mosquito. HMBPP also stimulates mosquito feeding and malaria parasite reproduction. Thus, the parasite manipulates its mammalian host to make it more attractive to the insect vectors and exploits the same molecule to amplify transmission. Science , this issue p. 1076