Hyeogsun Kwon

My research interest is focused on understanding immune responses of Anopheles gambiae, the primary vector of malaria. Following infections with malaria parasites, mosquito hemocytes are believed to mediate the cellular and humoral immune responses that serve as the primary defense to limit parasite development. My interests aim to define the contributions of hemocytes to mosquito immunity by examining the gene networks and pathways associated with hemocyte production and differentiation. Ultimately, we hope that this information can be used to develop novel mosquito control strategies that ultimately block malaria transmission.

Area of Expertise: Insect molecular biology, insect physiology, Innate immunity