Serratia species as paratransgenic vehicles: potential applications in vector-borne disease control

Paratransgenesis employs insect-associated bacteria to deliver antipathogen effectors and is an emergent complementary strategy for vector control. This review synthesizes current evidence for Serratia species as paratransgenic vehicles, combining mechanistic insights into effector molecules (e.g., scorpine, MP2, multi-fusion constructs, and the naturally secreted antimalarial lipase AmLip), with comparative evidence on colonization, transmission, and efficacy. Serratia strains (e.g., AS1, Su_YN1) demonstrate rapid dissemination in laboratory populations and potent reductions in Plasmodium development (reported oocyst inhibition in laboratory studies ranging from ~60% to >90% for specific effectors). We critically examine biosafety, genetic stability, and ecological factors and propose a minimum evidence package and translational roadmap comprising multigeneration stability assays, horizontal gene transfer monitoring, non-target impact assessments, and community and regulatory engagement to responsibly advance Serratia-based paratransgenesis toward field evaluation. This comparative framing integrates Serratia-focused detail with the broader paratransgenesis literature to clarify both its promise and remaining knowledge gaps.