The two-host life cycle of the malaria parasite, combined with its ability to regulate gene expression and protein translation within a single clonal genotype, results in a remarkable potential for phenotypic heterogenei...The two-host life cycle of the malaria parasite, combined with its ability to regulate gene expression and protein translation within a single clonal genotype, results in a remarkable potential for phenotypic heterogeneity. This heterogeneity presents underappreciated challenges to antimalarial interventions such as vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic tools, with parasites able to evolve resistance rapidly. Here we summarise current knowledge of the different mechanisms driving parasite phenotypic heterogeneity both at the gene and protein level. Centred on the most virulent human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, we explore the consequences of this diversity for antimalarial interventions and how single-cell technologies present an opportunity to study inter- and intra-clonal heterogeneity to better design future-proofed intervention strategies against this ancient disease.
Assessing ecosystem health is essential for preserving biodiversity. Mosquito abundance and community composition can serve as indicators of environmental conditions, providing insights into ecosystem health. Mosquitoes...Assessing ecosystem health is essential for preserving biodiversity. Mosquito abundance and community composition can serve as indicators of environmental conditions, providing insights into ecosystem health. Mosquitoes are routinely collected through surveillance programs and can be used to develop a metric for assessing both ecosystem health and public health risks.
Genome instability has been identified as a major driver of adaptation in fast-growing, eukaryotic cells, including fungi, protists, or cancer. How these cells cope with the toxic effects caused by such copy number varia...Genome instability has been identified as a major driver of adaptation in fast-growing, eukaryotic cells, including fungi, protists, or cancer. How these cells cope with the toxic effects caused by such copy number variations remains to be elucidated. In recent years, the protist parasites Leishmania spp. have emerged as interesting model pathogens to assess this open question and to study the role of its intrinsic genome instability in fitness gain in culture, experimental infection, and in the field. Here we summarize recent results on Leishmania genomic adaptation and propose thought-provoking evolutionary concepts new to the Leishmania field that need to be considered when mapping genotype-to-phenotype relationships in molecular and epidemiological studies.
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 May · PMID 40268600
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Erythrocyte invasion by the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum can be inhibited by antibodies against apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). Patel et al. identified two human anti-AMA1 monoclonal antibodies, one o...Erythrocyte invasion by the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum can be inhibited by antibodies against apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). Patel et al. identified two human anti-AMA1 monoclonal antibodies, one of which has strain-transcending neutralizing activity. Lateral interactions between the two antibodies improved their binding kinetics and inhibitory activity.
Photosynthesis has been lost independently many times in eukaryote evolutionary history. Surprisingly, the ability to synthesise chlorophyll has sometimes been retained after loss of photosynthesis. Jacko-Reynolds et al....Photosynthesis has been lost independently many times in eukaryote evolutionary history. Surprisingly, the ability to synthesise chlorophyll has sometimes been retained after loss of photosynthesis. Jacko-Reynolds et al. show this phenomenon in a group of Apicomplexa parasitising corals. Possible explanations include a role in organelle-to-nucleus signalling, molecular trickery, and defence against predators.
Guo B, Rowley E, O'Connor TD
… +1 more, Takala-Harrison S
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 May · PMID 40263027
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The ability to genotype malaria parasites on an epidemiological scale is crucial for genomic surveillance as it aids in understanding malaria transmission dynamics and parasite demography changes in response to antimalar...The ability to genotype malaria parasites on an epidemiological scale is crucial for genomic surveillance as it aids in understanding malaria transmission dynamics and parasite demography changes in response to antimalarial interventions. Identity-by-descent (IBD)-based methods have demonstrated potential in various aspects of malaria genomic surveillance. However, there is a need for validation of existing approaches and development of new techniques to address challenges posed by the parasites' unique evolutionary dynamics and complex biological characteristics, which differ markedly from organisms like humans. This review examines current IBD use cases, identifies limitations of IBD-based methods, and explores promising future directions to enhance malaria genomic surveillance.
Plant parasitic nematodes secrete effectors to promote disease progression. However, the mechanisms by which plant hosts and nematodes trigger the expression of these effector genes remain elusive. Recently, Pellegrin et...Plant parasitic nematodes secrete effectors to promote disease progression. However, the mechanisms by which plant hosts and nematodes trigger the expression of these effector genes remain elusive. Recently, Pellegrin et al. discovered that plant-derived stimulants and the nematode SUbventral-Gland Regulator aid in the activation of effector genes in cyst nematodes.
The Plasmodium liver-stage (LS) represents a promising target for malaria vaccine and drug development, as LS elimination prevents progression to symptomatic blood-stage (BS) infection and subsequent parasite transmissio...The Plasmodium liver-stage (LS) represents a promising target for malaria vaccine and drug development, as LS elimination prevents progression to symptomatic blood-stage (BS) infection and subsequent parasite transmission. Comprehensive LS gene expression profiles remain unexplored. Zanghi et al. report successful transcriptomic analysis of human malaria LS throughout intrahepatocytic development.
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 May · PMID 40251060
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Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis, a significant source of morbidity and mortality in developing nations. Despite this, E. histolytica is understudied, leading to few treatment options and a poor...Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis, a significant source of morbidity and mortality in developing nations. Despite this, E. histolytica is understudied, leading to few treatment options and a poor understanding of pathogenesis. Genetic tools have historically been limited. By applying modern approaches, it was recently revealed that the genome is aneuploid. Interestingly, gene expression levels do not correlate with ploidy, potentially highlighting the importance of RNAi in gene regulation. Characterization of the RNAi pathway has led to potent tools for targeted gene knockdown, and the advent of RNAi-based forward genetics. CRISPR/Cas tools for editing the endogenous genome are an exciting possibility on the horizon. We celebrate the gains that have made E. histolytica tractable and anticipate continued advances.
Antibodies developed against Anopheles mosquito salivary proteins injected during biting may serve as proxy biomarkers of Anopheles biting exposure. Anti-salivary biomarkers are being increasingly investigated, with ~60...Antibodies developed against Anopheles mosquito salivary proteins injected during biting may serve as proxy biomarkers of Anopheles biting exposure. Anti-salivary biomarkers are being increasingly investigated, with ~60 studies published to date, mostly identifying positive associations with Anopheles human biting rates (HBRs). However, several literature gaps must be addressed to inform the application of anti-salivary biomarkers for serosurveillance of vector exposure and malaria transmission and in vector-control trials. We highlight the need for more studies that collect HBRs and antibody data contemporaneously, investigate novel antigens for non-African Anopheles species, and characterize antibody kinetics to understand how biomarkers can track changes in exposure over time. Together, these directions may improve upon insensitive manual mosquito catch techniques and strengthen malaria surveillance programs.
γδ T cells influence immunity in leishmaniasis, responding to Leishmania components, sand flies, and their microbiota. IL-17-producing γδ T cells drive pathogenesis via neutrophil recruitment, while IFN-γ-producing γδ T...γδ T cells influence immunity in leishmaniasis, responding to Leishmania components, sand flies, and their microbiota. IL-17-producing γδ T cells drive pathogenesis via neutrophil recruitment, while IFN-γ-producing γδ T cells promote resolution by inducing a strong Th1 response. Understanding their activation may improve immune responses and leishmaniasis control.
Parasite life cycles can be visualized in different ways according to the context of the presentation. Such variability is not always recognized, increasing the risk of misreading visual information. The different approa...Parasite life cycles can be visualized in different ways according to the context of the presentation. Such variability is not always recognized, increasing the risk of misreading visual information. The different approaches to visualizing cycles are conceptualized and potential weaknesses highlighted. Guidelines for the visualization of life cycles are suggested.
The peritrophic matrix (PM) is a non-cellular, glycan-rich structure that lines the gut epithelium of most invertebrates, including arthropod vectors that transmit diseases of public health and veterinary concern. This s...The peritrophic matrix (PM) is a non-cellular, glycan-rich structure that lines the gut epithelium of most invertebrates, including arthropod vectors that transmit diseases of public health and veterinary concern. This semipermeable barrier, functionally analogous to the vertebrate mucosal layer, separates the gut lumen from epithelial cells and provides protection against invading pathogens and their toxins. Beyond its mechanical protective role in the gut, the PM plays a crucial part in arthropod innate immunity. Here, we summarize the most recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of vector-pathogen interactions in blood-feeding arthropods and discuss the significance of the PM in modulating vector competence. This knowledge could contribute to the development of novel strategies to control vector-borne infections.
Wu-Chuang A, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Butnaru M
… +3 more, Mohr SE, Perrimon N, Pedra JHF
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 May · PMID 40133119
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The interrelationship between the microbiota, metabolism, and the arthropod immune system has evolved to maintain physiological equilibrium. Arthropods rely on this delicate balance when encountering fitness challenges....The interrelationship between the microbiota, metabolism, and the arthropod immune system has evolved to maintain physiological equilibrium. Arthropods rely on this delicate balance when encountering fitness challenges. The understanding of life history traits in arthropod vectors has been hampered by technological difficulties compounded by limited scientific knowledge compared to established model organisms. Here, we posit that using emerging technologies to study environmental pathogens that cause greater fitness disadvantages to disease vectors (i.e., bona fide pathogens) in contrast to coevolved microbes will enable meaningful insights into arthropod immunophysiology. We propose a conceptual framework whereby understanding immunophysiology through the lens of bona fide pathogens, as opposed to coevolved microbes, should be useful for the management of vector-borne illnesses.