Cross-species immune activation and immunobiotics: a new frontier in vector-borne pathogen control.

Abstract

The persistent global burden of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) needs innovative control strategies, as traditional methods are compromised by acaricides and drug resistance and variable vaccine efficacy. We propose a dual-action strategy using cross-species immune activation: human microbiota triggers the production of natural antibodies that directly target pathogens in the host and modulate vector immunity by interacting with vector microbiota. The human microbiota also modulates cytokine responses, enhancing immune defenses in both host and vector. These mechanisms can be further optimized by identifying immunobiotics - specific gut microbes that stimulate protective immune responses against VBDs. This approach offers a sustainable framework to bridge the gap between host and vector immunity, introducing a novel method to combat VBDs.