The biology of sexual development of Plasmodium: the design and implementation of transmission-blocking strategies

It is now recognized that understanding and attacking the parasites responsible for infection of the mosquitoes is critical to the international efforts striving to eliminate malaria [1]. Further, filling the gaps in the understanding of parasite sexual biology could greatly help the development of effective malaria transmission-blocking interventions such as, but not limited to, vaccines and drugs. In his introduction to the meeting Richard Carter said that since the 2007 call to eradicate malaria, the field has become both energized and focused to a degree not seen in 50 years, concluding that malaria transmission reduction is once again a priority on the research agenda.The objectives of the meeting were to:？ Develop a comprehensive landscape of research initiatives, programmes, and funding vehicles in Plasmodium gametocyte biology,？ Identify and prioritize key gaps in the knowledge base and research agenda (see summary table of key deliverables Table 1).？ Share and understand priorities of different institutions working in this research area.In convening this meeting, the NIH/NIAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) created an opportunity for international researchers and stakeholders to share research updates, identify critical experiments, and discuss the resources required to advance these objectives. The key research questions addressed by separate sessions of the meeting included:1. What are the critical factors comprising/regulating gametocyte biology?2. What are the critical factors influencing transmission dynamics?3. What are the best ways to target current and future interventions?4. What are the critical needs for the field to advance?In recognizing the meeting would discuss sexual development of all species of Plasmodium, it was highlighted that in a minority of parasite species (in the subgenus Laverania) e.g. Plasmodium falciparum sexual development differs substantially from the majority (in the subgenus Plasmodium) e.g. Plasmodium v