Vector-borne diseases and Transmission Dynamics in Changing Climates

Vector-borne diseases, caused by the transmission of parasitic, viral, and bacterial pathogens through arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, and fleas, represent a critical challenge in global health owing to their widespread impact on human populations, agriculture, and economies. Recent advances have shed light on the complex biological, ecological, and environmental factors that influence the transmission cycles of diseases including malaria, dengue, Zika, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, and many others. Key areas of investigation have uncovered how parasites manipulate vector physiology, immunity, and behavior, as well as ongoing debates regarding the specificity of these interactions and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Notable studies have illuminated the prominent roles of tissue barriers within vectors—such as the midgut and salivary glands—as well as the dynamic influence of vector microbiomes. However, knowledge gaps persist in our understanding of the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental determinants of vector competence and disease emergence, particularly against the backdrop of rapid and unpredictable changes driven by climate shift. Moreover, the geographic expansion of vectors and changes in host-vector contact patterns are posing new threats and uncertainties in surveillance and control strategies for vector-borne diseases.
This Research Topic aims to synergize multidisciplinary research efforts to deepen understanding of the mechanisms that drive vector-parasite interactions and their transmission dynamics across all vector-borne diseases. The primary objective is to bridge molecular, ecological, and epidemiological perspectives in order to unravel how environmental, biological, and social changes, including climate change, shape the compatibility between vectors and parasites and alter disease transmission patterns. Central questions include clarifying the molecular dialogues at critical vector tissues, assessing the impact of microbiome composition, dissecting the genetic predictors of vector competence, and evaluating innovative strategies to intervene in pathogen transmission. Ultimately, this Research Topic seeks to foster cross-cutting research that informs sustainable and adaptable interventions aligned with global health targets, notably Sustainable Development Goal 3.
To gather further insights into the multifaceted and evolving landscape of vector-borne disease transmission, this Research Topic welcomes contributions focused on both the diversity of disease systems and the changing ecological contexts in which they occur. We encourage submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
• The molecular mechanisms of pathogen-vector interactions at tissue barriers
• The role of vector microbiomes in facilitating or inhibiting parasite development or virus dissemination
• Genetic and epigenetic determinants of vector susceptibility and resistance
• The influence of climate change on vector ecology, distribution, and competence
• Integrated modeling approaches for predicting transmission dynamics under future climate scenarios
• Strategies for vector control rooted in manipulation of vector-pathogen interactions (e.g., microbiome engineering, transmission-blocking vaccines)
• Case studies from field investigations linking ecological or climate data with changes in vector populations and disease risk
We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and methodological papers that advance understanding of vector-borne disease dynamics across diverse pathogens, vectors, and contexts.