Self-limiting population suppression gene drive design in the West Nile vector mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42191711.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-73641-9.
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Abstract
Culex quinquefasciatus is a major vector of West Nile virus and other pathogens, yet genetic population suppression tools for this species remain limited. Here, we develop a self-limiting, CRISPR-based suppression gene drive system targeting doublesex, close to the male-determining locus, promoting male transmission. A recoded dsxM sequence converts females into sterile intersexes, preventing population-level spread. The drive achieves super-Mendelian inheritance ( ~ 71%) and generates resistance alleles that are fully or partially dominant female sterile. Single-release cage trials show extended but self-limiting population suppression. Population modeling of this RIDD (Release of Insects carrying a Dominant-sterile Drive) system further indicates that repeated releases can substantially reduce fertile female numbers at low release ratios and intrinsic growth rates, outperforming non-drive strategies under comparable conditions. Together, these results establish a self-limiting suppression gene drive platform for Culex, providing a confined and sustainable framework for vector population control.