Abstract:
The ability to target human-mosquito parasite transmission challenges global
malaria elimination. However, it is not obvious what a transmission-blocking
drug will look like; should it 1) target only parasite transmission stages; 2) be
combined with a partner drug killing the pathogenic asexual stages or 3) kill
both the sexual and asexual blood stages, preferably displaying
polypharmacology. The development of transmission-blocking anti-malarials
requires objective analyses of the current strategies. Here, pertinent issues
and unanswered questions regarding the target candidate profile of a transmission-blocking compound, and its role in malaria elimination strategies
are highlighted and novel perspectives proposed. The essential role of a test
cascade that integrates screening and validation strategies to identify next
generation transmission-blocking anti-malarials is emphasised.
