Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania parasites, poses an immense global health burden in desperate need of additional foundational and translational research. Fokkens et al. characterize a uni...Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania parasites, poses an immense global health burden in desperate need of additional foundational and translational research. Fokkens et al. characterize a unique dual kinase-ubiquitin ligase (KUL) protein that is an essential virulence factor for Leishmania mexicana and can be targeted by small-molecule inhibitors.
Recent studies have revealed a positive correlation between the presence of the Midichloria mitochondrii endosymbiont and Borrelia species in the tick vector, suggesting potential interactions that may influence pathogen...Recent studies have revealed a positive correlation between the presence of the Midichloria mitochondrii endosymbiont and Borrelia species in the tick vector, suggesting potential interactions that may influence pathogen infection and the transmission dynamics of Lyme borreliosis. This article discusses the possible mechanistic pathways underlying these interactions.
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41139571
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Parasitic nematodes have a significant impact on global health as pathogens of humans and animals. Yet, our understanding of parasite physiology and the function of organs critical for intra-host survival is poor. Most k...Parasitic nematodes have a significant impact on global health as pathogens of humans and animals. Yet, our understanding of parasite physiology and the function of organs critical for intra-host survival is poor. Most knowledge is derived from Caenorhabditis elegans, a free-living nematode that has limited translatability to parasitic species. Here, we discuss opportunities to fill knowledge gaps in fundamental parasite biology through the study of parasite body plans, tissues, and cells in their biological context, using modern imaging, omics, metabolic models, and in vitro culture systems. Resolving the functions of parasite cells and tissues throughout development and inside their hosts is key to discovering new tools to tackle them.
Postgenomic parasitology promised holism but often delivered digital reductionism. For complex ailments such as Chagas disease, this can be a dead end. This article proposes a rhizomatic framework, viewing the parasite-h...Postgenomic parasitology promised holism but often delivered digital reductionism. For complex ailments such as Chagas disease, this can be a dead end. This article proposes a rhizomatic framework, viewing the parasite-host-microbiota assemblage as an interconnected ecosystem, arguing for an ecologically grounded science that integrates social and biological reality.
Human-mediated migrations have reshaped Toxoplasma gondii in South America through massive hybridizations between Old World domestic lineages and wild native populations. We propose that this convergence of domestic adap...Human-mediated migrations have reshaped Toxoplasma gondii in South America through massive hybridizations between Old World domestic lineages and wild native populations. We propose that this convergence of domestic adaptation and virulence traits from wild strains underlies the continent's unusually severe disease burden, particularly ocular toxoplasmosis, with major public health implications.
Sex determination in eukaryotes defines whether an organism develops as male or female and is shaped by genetic and environmental factors. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium, recent data suggest that sex determination is...Sex determination in eukaryotes defines whether an organism develops as male or female and is shaped by genetic and environmental factors. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium, recent data suggest that sex determination is decided at two critical checkpoints. First, chromatin remodeling activates the master regulator AP2-G, triggering a transcriptional cascade that commits the parasites to sexual development and drives the expression of genes crucial for male and female gametocytes. Second, post-transcriptional processes - including the stabilization and suppression of transcript via RNA-binding proteins - guide the branching into male or female gametocytes through threshold-trait-dependent mechanisms. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the two checkpoints of sex determination in malaria gametocytes.
Erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells (RBCs), is a tightly regulated process essential for hematologic health. This system significantly shifts during aging, impacting RBC production and function. In this rev...Erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells (RBCs), is a tightly regulated process essential for hematologic health. This system significantly shifts during aging, impacting RBC production and function. In this review, we examine erythropoiesis stages and highlight major age-related changes in stem cells, transcription factors, and key regulators such as erythropoietin and iron. We then explore mechanisms driving the high prevalence of anemia in the elderly - chronic disease, sepsis, and unexplained anemia - while discussing current therapies and gaps in management. Finally, we introduce two underexplored models for studying aging RBCs: malaria and microgravity. Plasmodium infection and spaceflight mirror key features of age-related erythropoietic dysfunction and RBC morphological alterations, offering insights into mechanisms of anemia in the elderly.
Early-life parasitism can negatively impact the health of wild animal hosts. However, parasitism can also positively influence host physiology, behavior, and morphology during development, which might increase overall ho...Early-life parasitism can negatively impact the health of wild animal hosts. However, parasitism can also positively influence host physiology, behavior, and morphology during development, which might increase overall host fitness. Our overall goal was to review evidence to support the net positive effects of early-life parasitism on wild animal host fitness. We found that few studies have explored this idea; instead, studies primarily focus on the effects of parasitism during a particular life stage, the immediate, but not lasting, effects of parasitism, or the effect of the immune response on host fitness without considering the parasite. Indeed, several challenges prevent progress, including immune response specificity, dose-dependent immune responses, logistical feasibility, and incomplete datasets. Going forward, an integrative approach is needed to address the roadblocks that the field is currently facing.
Amphibians face numerous threats, including climate change, pollution, and emerging infectious diseases. While chytrid fungi have dominated recent research on amphibian pathogens, helminth parasites, despite their divers...Amphibians face numerous threats, including climate change, pollution, and emerging infectious diseases. While chytrid fungi have dominated recent research on amphibian pathogens, helminth parasites, despite their diversity and potential to impact amphibian health, remain underexplored, particularly in Europe. The goal of this review is to highlight the current state of knowledge on amphibian helminths in Europe, including current knowledge on species diversity, parasites' life history, and the availability of molecular data. We outline major challenges in amphibian helminthology and propose strategies to address them, aiming to stimulate renewed research interest. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive list of documented helminth species and their amphibian hosts, including information on publicly available DNA sequences, offering a foundation for future studies.
Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) represent a persistent and growing threat to global animal health, food security, rural economies, and human health. The study of TADs has remained largely pathogen-specific, with lim...Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) represent a persistent and growing threat to global animal health, food security, rural economies, and human health. The study of TADs has remained largely pathogen-specific, with limited synthesis across ecological and epidemiological contexts. This review addresses that gap by proposing a conceptual framework that characterizes TAD transmission from (i) managed animal environments (e.g., farms) in a source country, via (ii) transboundary movement, to (iii) managed animal environments in a recipient country. Transboundary movements include legal and unregulated trade, wildlife migration, nomadic herding, and non-nomadic human travel. For each movement pathway, we synthesize the literature on relevant TADs, illustrate our framework with examples, and highlight where interventions and policies can be applied to individual and collective TAD issues.
Cryptosporidium spp. are an important cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. However, pathogenesis can vary between and within parasite species. Huang et al. identified CpMRP1 as a transporter of the microbial metabolite...Cryptosporidium spp. are an important cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. However, pathogenesis can vary between and within parasite species. Huang et al. identified CpMRP1 as a transporter of the microbial metabolite deoxycholic acid and virulence factor that determines infection outcome in susceptible mice.
A recent study by Zaković et al. demonstrates that disruption of REL2 in mosquitoes induces gut dysbiosis dominated by Serratia species, increases mosquito mortality after blood feeding, and unexpectedly reduces suscepti...A recent study by Zaković et al. demonstrates that disruption of REL2 in mosquitoes induces gut dysbiosis dominated by Serratia species, increases mosquito mortality after blood feeding, and unexpectedly reduces susceptibility to malaria infection. These findings reveal complex, functionally significant crosstalk between host immunity, gut microbiota, and the development of malaria parasites.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases represent a major threat to livestock health and productivity, particularly in (sub)tropical regions. Chemical acaricides remain the main control method, but repeated use has driven resistan...Ticks and tick-borne diseases represent a major threat to livestock health and productivity, particularly in (sub)tropical regions. Chemical acaricides remain the main control method, but repeated use has driven resistance and raised concerns about food safety, welfare, and environmental impact. Limited development of new ectoparasiticides has left farmers dependent on outdated options. Integrated tick management offers a sustainable approach by combining acaricides with biological controls, vaccines, resistant breeds, and improved husbandry. However, adoption is hindered by the availability, accessibility, and acceptance of current alternatives, as well as by the lack of innovative solutions. Key priorities include resistance monitoring, improving stewardship, and promoting farmer-led solutions. Long-term success will require aligning innovations with local needs, building trust, and fostering collaboration across public, private, and communities.
Daily rhythms in the blood-feeding activity of insect vectors determine the time of day that parasites transmit between hosts and vectors. Within the vector, parasites are exposed to myriad physiological rhythms, includi...Daily rhythms in the blood-feeding activity of insect vectors determine the time of day that parasites transmit between hosts and vectors. Within the vector, parasites are exposed to myriad physiological rhythms, including in immunity and nutrition, which affect transmission success. Recently discovered rhythmicity in gut microbes, coupled with the knowledge that microbes mediate malaria transmission by modulating vector immunity and metabolism, and via direct interactions with parasites, suggest that microbes have an underappreciated influence on rhythms in parasite-vector interactions. We integrate chronobiology with evolutionary ecology to propose that microbes mediate rhythmicity in mosquito susceptibility and malaria parasite development. Understanding how the time of day transmission occurs influences the spread of malaria transmission is urgently needed, given that rhythmic activities of mosquito microbiota are likely affected by changes in mosquito biting rhythms.
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread Apicomplexan parasite that affects approximately one-third of the global population. The development and clinical features of toxoplasmosis are closely related to the immune status of th...Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread Apicomplexan parasite that affects approximately one-third of the global population. The development and clinical features of toxoplasmosis are closely related to the immune status of the population. While most immunocompetent individuals are asymptomatic after primary acquired infection, immunocompromised patients may develop a range of severe clinical symptoms and complications. In the case of pregnant women the fetuses are at risk of clinical severity following primary infection during pregnancy. This review aims to elucidate the characteristics of immune interaction patterns in individuals with different immune statuses and provide a theoretical basis for more effective, accurate toxoplasmosis treatment strategies. These findings can achieve targeted and precise prevention and control for different groups, effectively guaranteeing public health security.
Mosquito saliva modulates host immunity, enhancing viral spread and disease. Suzuki et al. propose a previously uncharacterized, TLR2-driven mechanism of immunomodulation that is conserved across mosquito genera and inde...Mosquito saliva modulates host immunity, enhancing viral spread and disease. Suzuki et al. propose a previously uncharacterized, TLR2-driven mechanism of immunomodulation that is conserved across mosquito genera and independent of flavivirus type. This flavivirus-agnostic pathway may represent a promising target against mosquito-borne viral infections.