Next-generation genetic control technologies to effectively suppress wild populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on earth, but amongst the 3,500 species, just a small handful transmit disease to humans. One mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is responsible for the majority of arbovirus transmission and its impact is expected to grow as climate change, urbanisation and resistance to insecticides propel a rapid global expansion. In addressing the need for fast-acting, effective, and sustainable solutions, this project aims to build two highly synergistic genetic control technologies for Aedes aegypti, namely a self-sustaining gene drive solution designed for long-term and sustainable suppression of mosquito populations, and a first-of-its-kind self-limiting solution designed for unprecedented temporal control deliverable at low cost. These technologies will be further bolstered by developing a genetic switch that allows them to be reared, sex-sorted, and delivered at scale. These technologies will be developed and evaluated in laboratory-contained population release experiments, unlocking the future of affordable, effective and robust control of Aedes aegypti.