Trends Parasitol
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41795870
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Controlled human infection models are powerful tools for evaluating pathogenesis, immune responses, vaccines, and therapeutics, including parasitic helminths. Helminths have also been tested as inflammatory disease thera...Controlled human infection models are powerful tools for evaluating pathogenesis, immune responses, vaccines, and therapeutics, including parasitic helminths. Helminths have also been tested as inflammatory disease therapeutics. This review focuses on immune responses during controlled infections with Trichuris species, Necator americanus, and Schistosoma mansoni. Over 700 participants have been experimentally infected across 33 studies to date. These models reveal significant heterogeneity in type 2-associated responses among individuals for all infections. While eosinophilia is most frequently observed, mixed Th1/Th2 responses in CD4+ T cells accompanied by IL-10 production and T regulatory cells are often observed in some individuals. Generally, controlled helminth infection models are safe and answer basic questions on type 2 responses. Improved immunophenotyping will guide future therapeutic applications and vaccine development.
The diverse coloration of animals has fascinated researchers over the past centuries. A growing body of evidence has documented the many functions of animal coloration, ranging from mate attraction to predator avoidance....The diverse coloration of animals has fascinated researchers over the past centuries. A growing body of evidence has documented the many functions of animal coloration, ranging from mate attraction to predator avoidance. Yet, the adaptive functions of parasite coloration have been largely neglected in this context, despite the fact that many parasites across diverse taxonomic groups exhibit colorful body patterns. In this opinion article, we discuss the potential adaptive functions of color in parasites. We first summarize some potential functions of parasite coloration based on an intensive review of the existing literature. We then propose several possible ecological, evolutionary, and biogeographical hypotheses regarding patterns in parasite coloration and outline future directions for this intriguing study frontier.
Despite the global burden of leishmaniasis, no licensed human vaccine exists. Vaccine antigens are typically based on in silico predictions or their immunogenicity in animal models and cured patients. T cell epitopes hav...Despite the global burden of leishmaniasis, no licensed human vaccine exists. Vaccine antigens are typically based on in silico predictions or their immunogenicity in animal models and cured patients. T cell epitopes have only been mapped for fewer than 2% of over 8000 Leishmania proteins, with only ten proteins tested in clinical trials. Whether infected human phagocytes naturally present such antigens early on during infection, and prior to the onset of parasite-induced regulatory mechanisms, is unknown. We discuss why this is critical to the induction of protective immunity and argue that antigen availability can conclusively guide and accelerate vaccine candidate discovery. Here, emerging technologies, including immunopeptidomics, single-cell multiomics, and T cell receptor repertoire mapping, offer transformative opportunities to redefine Leishmania antigen discovery.
Merozoite invasion in erythrocytes is a complex process. Kongsomboonvech et al. identify the host transmembrane protein CD44 as a critical coreceptor that, when crosslinked, significantly enhances the ability of Plasmodi...Merozoite invasion in erythrocytes is a complex process. Kongsomboonvech et al. identify the host transmembrane protein CD44 as a critical coreceptor that, when crosslinked, significantly enhances the ability of Plasmodium falciparum to invade human erythrocytes. It provides a molecular link between early parasite attachment and the final, essential invasion steps.
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped parasitology education, exposing challenges in delivering laboratory-rich, experiential learning. Case-based e-learning (CBEL) emerged as a powerful solution, restoring engagement through a...The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped parasitology education, exposing challenges in delivering laboratory-rich, experiential learning. Case-based e-learning (CBEL) emerged as a powerful solution, restoring engagement through authentic, adaptive, and interactive scenarios. Drawing on our recent experiences, we show how CBEL supports deeper reasoning, flexibility, development of competency, and preparedness for parasitic diseases.
Shi et al. recently published a report leveraging the self-assembly of the Pdx1 and Pdx2 proteins as a vaccine platform. This elegant approach achieved complete sterile protection in mouse models, providing a promising a...Shi et al. recently published a report leveraging the self-assembly of the Pdx1 and Pdx2 proteins as a vaccine platform. This elegant approach achieved complete sterile protection in mouse models, providing a promising avenue to accomplish the WHO's goal of eliminating malaria in at least 35 countries by 2030.
Malaria parasites display the unique property of expressing distinct ribosomal RNAs at different points in their transmission cycle. Couble et al. determined that derepression of the mosquito-specific rDNA loci is initia...Malaria parasites display the unique property of expressing distinct ribosomal RNAs at different points in their transmission cycle. Couble et al. determined that derepression of the mosquito-specific rDNA loci is initiated by altered NAD/nicotinamide (NAM) ratios, resulting from the metabolic shift that parasites undergo as they transition into the mosquito stages.
Root-knot nematodes are among the most destructive plant parasites on Earth. Many aspects of their biology are fascinating, including their diverse reproductive modes, their extreme polyphagy, their unknown origin, and t...Root-knot nematodes are among the most destructive plant parasites on Earth. Many aspects of their biology are fascinating, including their diverse reproductive modes, their extreme polyphagy, their unknown origin, and their sophisticated plant manipulation systems. Although genome analyses have illuminated certain points of their biology, recent advances in sequencing technologies have revealed some chromosomal idiosyncrasies. This includes unique telomere systems unparalleled in any other organism and complex holocentromere organisations. Evidence of polyploid hybrid genome structures in some of these species, with shared yet unknown parents, has redefined the way we need to interpret genome and expression data. It is timely to foresee new knowledge that can be gained by the adoption of the latest omics technologies by plant nematologists.
Entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria offer promising alternatives to chemical insecticides for controlling mosquitoes and ticks-key vectors of malaria and Lyme disease. However, their efficacy largely depends on immune in...Entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria offer promising alternatives to chemical insecticides for controlling mosquitoes and ticks-key vectors of malaria and Lyme disease. However, their efficacy largely depends on immune interactions between pathogens and hosts. Here, we focus on mosquitoes and ticks as representative disease vectors and dissect conserved and divergent immune responses, from physical barriers to cellular defenses and key humoral pathways, with mechanistic insights informed by insect model systems. Furthermore, we elucidate diverse virulence and immune evasion strategies that enable pathogen infection. By synthesizing foundational and contemporary research, we examine the coevolutionary arms race between entomopathogens and mosquito and tick hosts, with the goal of translating these insights into next-generation strategies for vector control and public health protection.
Zeng et al. and Qian et al. reveal in their cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies how apicomplexan parasites extensively remodel tubulin to construct the conoid, a specialized invasion organelle. Distinct micro...Zeng et al. and Qian et al. reveal in their cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies how apicomplexan parasites extensively remodel tubulin to construct the conoid, a specialized invasion organelle. Distinct microtubule assemblies integrate mechanical support, force generation, and secretion control, providing a structural framework that underpins parasite motility and host cell entry.
The diversity of trypanosomatid RNA viruses goes far beyond the well-known leishmaniaviruses. Newly discovered viral lineages across multiple families reveal host-specific patterns and distant evolutionary transitions, h...The diversity of trypanosomatid RNA viruses goes far beyond the well-known leishmaniaviruses. Newly discovered viral lineages across multiple families reveal host-specific patterns and distant evolutionary transitions, highlighting the trajectories of viral acquisition and subsequent evolution shaped by parasite biology and ecology.
Trends Parasitol
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41565496
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Full text
Whole sporozoite vaccines (WSVs) are the most effective malaria vaccines developed to date. However, their durable efficacy declines sharply when moving from homologous CHMI studies to field trials in endemic regions. We...Whole sporozoite vaccines (WSVs) are the most effective malaria vaccines developed to date. However, their durable efficacy declines sharply when moving from homologous CHMI studies to field trials in endemic regions. We argue this reduced efficacy reflects the complex context of vaccine deployment rather than a single cause. The antigen mismatch hypothesis postulates that limited genetic diversity in current vaccines fails to capture the diversity of field parasites, reducing immune recognition. The host-context hypothesis describes how genetics, infection history, microbiome, and nutrition influence vaccine outcomes. We propose that the future of malaria vaccines will depend on integrating parasite genomics, systems immunology, and the development of animal models which more accurately depict the context of individuals living in malaria endemic regions.
Goldman et al. and Houri-Zeevi et al. reveal how Aedes mosquitoes mate and the molecular bases of these interactions. Invasive Aedes mosquitoes are the vectors of arboviruses, causing an ever-increasing health burden. Ne...Goldman et al. and Houri-Zeevi et al. reveal how Aedes mosquitoes mate and the molecular bases of these interactions. Invasive Aedes mosquitoes are the vectors of arboviruses, causing an ever-increasing health burden. New sexual attributes and behaviors have been described and may inform the development of new genetic control technologies.
Pazicky et al. introduced a thermal profiling method, meltome-assisted profiling of protein complexes (MAP-X), combined with machine learning, to map protein complex dynamics in intact Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly mal...Pazicky et al. introduced a thermal profiling method, meltome-assisted profiling of protein complexes (MAP-X), combined with machine learning, to map protein complex dynamics in intact Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly malaria parasite. This in situ approach reveals a highly dynamic interactome, identifying novel complexes and 'moonlighting' proteins, shifting our understanding from static lists to temporal networks.
Recent studies by Romano et al. and Mehra et al. reveal that Toxoplasma gondii actively connects its parasitophorous vacuole to the host endoplasmic reticulum. Through a parasitic secretory relay involving dense granule...Recent studies by Romano et al. and Mehra et al. reveal that Toxoplasma gondii actively connects its parasitophorous vacuole to the host endoplasmic reticulum. Through a parasitic secretory relay involving dense granule and rhoptry effectors, the parasite establishes membrane contact sites that enable metabolic exchange without compromising vacuolar integrity.
Malaria remains a major public health concern, and traditional vector control methods face growing challenges, underscoring the need for novel strategies. The success of Wolbachia-based dengue control, together with the...Malaria remains a major public health concern, and traditional vector control methods face growing challenges, underscoring the need for novel strategies. The success of Wolbachia-based dengue control, together with the establishment of Plasmodium-blocking Wolbachia transinfections in Anopheles, highlights the potential of a new tool for malaria control. This review discusses the main experimental systems for studying Wolbachia-Anopheles interactions, emphasizing the challenges of generating Wolbachia transinfected Anopheles gambiae strains. Experiments utilizing Plasmodium parasite challenge in transiently and stably infected Anopheles demonstrated that Wolbachia-induced Plasmodium suppression is feasible. Building on insights from Wolbachia-Aedes-arborvirus systems - and with current evidence from Anopheles systems - we also address mechanisms of Plasmodium suppression. Finally, we outline challenges and opportunities for translating these findings from proof-of-concept to field application.