What a mosquito’s immune system can tell us about fighting malaria

New insight into how insect zaps invaders could boost battle against parasite

Anopheles gambiae mosquito

DISEASE SPREADER  Scientists have gained new insights into how Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes (one shown), a major vector for malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, fend off the parasites that cause the disease.

Jose Luis Ramirez

Immune cells in a malaria-transmitting mosquito sense the invading parasites and deploy an army of tiny messengers in response.