Insect-microbe symbiosis enables innovative modulation of insect biology via gut microbiota engineering. Synthetic microbial communities enhance pathogen resistance, nutrient provisioning, and host fitness. Engineering c...Insect-microbe symbiosis enables innovative modulation of insect biology via gut microbiota engineering. Synthetic microbial communities enhance pathogen resistance, nutrient provisioning, and host fitness. Engineering components of insect microbiomes enables precise manipulation of insect-microbe dynamics, advancing ecofriendly pest control and beneficial insect conservation while addressing biosafety and stability challenges.
The boosted sterile insect technique, which involves releasing sterile males treated with a biocide such as pyriproxyfen to contaminate breeding sites, has been shown to be effective against Aedes vectors. This approach...The boosted sterile insect technique, which involves releasing sterile males treated with a biocide such as pyriproxyfen to contaminate breeding sites, has been shown to be effective against Aedes vectors. This approach could prevent the establishment of invasive mosquitoes sharing the same larval habitats, such as Anopheles stephensi.
Cryptosporidium causes diarrhea globally, with limited treatment options. Host-parasite interactions are incompletely understood. Rodrigues et al. identified MVP1, one of a family of six exported microvilli proteins, and...Cryptosporidium causes diarrhea globally, with limited treatment options. Host-parasite interactions are incompletely understood. Rodrigues et al. identified MVP1, one of a family of six exported microvilli proteins, and a new Cryptosporidium virulence determinant which interacts with host cell MBP50 and CDC42 to induce elongation of intestinal epithelial cell microvilli.
Eukaryotic cells incorporate various molecules through a process known as endocytosis, which is crucial for the cell's survival and reproduction. While this process has been extensively studied in mammalian and yeast cel...Eukaryotic cells incorporate various molecules through a process known as endocytosis, which is crucial for the cell's survival and reproduction. While this process has been extensively studied in mammalian and yeast cells, significant contributions have also been made by researchers studying pathogenic protists. This review aims to present the most relevant information about the endocytic process in three important trypanosomatids: Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, and Leishmania. Many protozoa exhibit strong endocytic activity across their entire surface. However, in trypanosomatids, this activity is highly polarized and occurs exclusively in the flagellar pocket. In the case of T. cruzi, endocytosis primarily takes place through the cytostome-cytopharynx complex. This process involves an entry site organization of the cytoskeleton, including the participation of specialized microtubules.
An exceptionally high number of novel mutations within domain II of the voltage-gated sodium channel have been reported in human lice from Iran and Saudi Arabia. We critically evaluate these reports, highlighting that ma...An exceptionally high number of novel mutations within domain II of the voltage-gated sodium channel have been reported in human lice from Iran and Saudi Arabia. We critically evaluate these reports, highlighting that many of them may be methodological artifacts, and urge rigorous confirmation before assigning biological significance.
Malaria-associated liver dysfunction (MALID) is a frequent yet understudied complication of severe malaria, characterized by increased liver enzyme levels, hyperbilirubinemia, and distinctive histopathological changes. N...Malaria-associated liver dysfunction (MALID) is a frequent yet understudied complication of severe malaria, characterized by increased liver enzyme levels, hyperbilirubinemia, and distinctive histopathological changes. Notably, MALID can persist despite antimalarial treatment and is strongly associated with morbidity and mortality. Given the central role of the liver in metabolism, immunity, and detoxification, MALID may profoundly impact the functionality of other organs and exacerbate overall disease severity. This review consolidates the current knowledge on MALID, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and its interplay with other malaria-related complications. A deeper understanding of MALID could pave the way for improved treatment strategies and management of severe malaria cases.
African populations harbor the highest genetic diversity globally, shaped by over 300 000 years of adaptation to the continent's diverse ecology. Parasitic infections like malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) and sleeping sic...African populations harbor the highest genetic diversity globally, shaped by over 300 000 years of adaptation to the continent's diverse ecology. Parasitic infections like malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) and sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei) have driven genetic selection for resistance. For instance, the sickle-cell mutation (HBB:c.20A>T) offers malaria protection but causes sickle-cell disease. Similarly, APOL1 gene variants (G1/G2) protect against sleeping sickness but increase the risk of kidney disease. While these variants provide survival benefits, they also pose significant health challenges. This highlights the need for research into their effects on organ systems, epistasis, and potential therapies. Drugs targeting APOL1 synthesis are being tested to treat APOL1-mediated nephropathy, and exploring African genomes may uncover new parasite-resistant variants, advancing global genomic medicine.
It is enigmatic, but important, to understand how Toxoplasma gondii, with felids as the ultimate source, enters and circulates among wildlife, people, and the environment of the Arctic, where felids are rare. Informed by...It is enigmatic, but important, to understand how Toxoplasma gondii, with felids as the ultimate source, enters and circulates among wildlife, people, and the environment of the Arctic, where felids are rare. Informed by studies in the last 15 years, we opine that: (i) marked regional differences in human seroprevalence across the North American Arctic are supported by more numerous animal sentinel studies; (ii) tissue cysts in migratory geese and oocysts shed by felids travel north as 'parasite pollutants' into Arctic ecosystems, moving from land to sea and back again; and (iii) exposure to T. gondii is increasing in polar bears, linked to increased time on land and climate change in the most rapidly warming region of the globe.
Parasites often have a bad reputation, yet they play vital roles in ecosystems. The Global Parasitologist Coalition has created novel interactive outreach materials blending science and art, using them in diverse events...Parasites often have a bad reputation, yet they play vital roles in ecosystems. The Global Parasitologist Coalition has created novel interactive outreach materials blending science and art, using them in diverse events to foster understanding. Here, we summarize these efforts and the lessons learnt to support future outreach initiatives.
IFN-γ function during a type-2 helminth infection remains enigmatic. Westfall et al. found an unexpected role for IFN-γ in limiting tissue damage during intestinal infection by Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hpb). IFN...IFN-γ function during a type-2 helminth infection remains enigmatic. Westfall et al. found an unexpected role for IFN-γ in limiting tissue damage during intestinal infection by Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hpb). IFN-γ produced by CD8+ T cells stimulates stromal cells directly to recruit neutrophils, where they prevent tissue damage caused by the worms.
Trogocytosis - a process whereby cells physically nibble and ingest membrane fragments and other components from neighboring cells - plays a critical role in host-parasite interactions by modulating parasite survival and...Trogocytosis - a process whereby cells physically nibble and ingest membrane fragments and other components from neighboring cells - plays a critical role in host-parasite interactions by modulating parasite survival and host immune responses. This review explores trogocytosis in parasitic infections, revealing its dual roles: parasites use it for nutrient acquisition and immune evasion, whereas hosts use it for pathogen clearance. We analyze the molecular machinery driving this process, its impact on infection outcomes, and parallels in tumors/transplantation. Emerging therapeutic opportunities and unresolved challenges are critically evaluated, providing a roadmap for future research to harness trogocytosis in disease control.
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40447468
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Female mosquitoes that home in on people for blood meals are exquisitely effective at finding us. This is because they are endowed with an uncanny ability to sense virtually every cue people provide. These include exhale...Female mosquitoes that home in on people for blood meals are exquisitely effective at finding us. This is because they are endowed with an uncanny ability to sense virtually every cue people provide. These include exhaled CO, the image of the host, and volatile body odors, which can be detected at distances of multiple meters. When they traverse to under 1 m, they sense thermal infrared (IR). Within a few centimeters of a human, they detect convection heat and humidity emanating from skin. Upon landing, mosquitoes taste nonvolatile chemicals and sense conduction heat before electing to engorge on blood or fly away. This review focuses on the cellular and receptor mechanisms underlying the sensory detection mechanisms that mosquitoes use to home in on us.
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40404548
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Malaria causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year in children, and many survivors are left with lasting neurological injury. While we have effective parasite-killing drugs, we need treatments that target disease m...Malaria causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year in children, and many survivors are left with lasting neurological injury. While we have effective parasite-killing drugs, we need treatments that target disease mechanisms to improve outcomes. Bond et al. recently reported uric acid as a potential target for anti-disease therapy.
Chagas disease affects millions globally and is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite with a remarkable ability to adapt and persist in complex environments. Emerging evidence suggests that this adaptability may be dri...Chagas disease affects millions globally and is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite with a remarkable ability to adapt and persist in complex environments. Emerging evidence suggests that this adaptability may be driven by its extensive genome instability yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Drawing insights from related trypanosomatids, we explore how processes such as aneuploidy, copy number variations and genetic rearrangements can be strategically exploited for immune evasion, host adaptation and drug resistance, and consider whether similar processes shape the adaptive potential of T. cruzi. Unravelling the fundamental biology governing genome instability in this parasite will undoubtedly advance our understanding of its evolution, pathogenesis and resilience - crucial steps towards reducing the burden of Chagas disease.
Microorganisms associated with plant roots can protect the host from plant-parasitic nematodes. Kudjordjie et al. recently demonstrated that rice diterpenoid phytoalexins are involved in the assembly of beneficial root m...Microorganisms associated with plant roots can protect the host from plant-parasitic nematodes. Kudjordjie et al. recently demonstrated that rice diterpenoid phytoalexins are involved in the assembly of beneficial root microbiota for nematode suppression. The discovery of phytochemical-mediated modulation of plant-microbe interactions offers an innovative approach to sustainable nematode management.
Although vector-borne pathogens infect cats worldwide, historical research efforts on this topic have been hampered by the belief that cats are less susceptible than dogs to these infections. Additionally, limited data a...Although vector-borne pathogens infect cats worldwide, historical research efforts on this topic have been hampered by the belief that cats are less susceptible than dogs to these infections. Additionally, limited data are available on the epidemiology, clinical presentation and zoonotic importance of feline vector-borne diseases (FVBDs). This review discusses and updates the current geographical distribution of FVBDs, along with their clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention measures, highlighting the key differences between these diseases in cats and dogs and identifying the research needed to address existing knowledge gaps.
Day KP, Tan MH, He Q
… +4 more, Ruybal-Pesántez S, Zhan Q, Tiedje KE, Pascual M
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40393890
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The microbiological paradigm for surveillance of diverse pathogens requires knowledge of the variation of the major surface antigen under the most intense immune selection as immune responses to these antigens drive tran...The microbiological paradigm for surveillance of diverse pathogens requires knowledge of the variation of the major surface antigen under the most intense immune selection as immune responses to these antigens drive transmission dynamics. This creates a pathway for population genetics/genomics to be combined with mathematical modelling to describe transmission dynamics to inform public health policy. Here we consider how we can bring population genetics and population dynamics together for a highly recombining pathogen like Plasmodium falciparum. We do this through the lens of what has been recently learnt about the population genetics of the var multigene family encoding the major surface antigen of the blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum, known as PfEMP1.
Malaria can compromise neurocognitive and behavioral integrity. Immunomodulation has been proposed as a mechanism by which exercise benefits brain function, including preventing neurocognitive decline in neurodegenerativ...Malaria can compromise neurocognitive and behavioral integrity. Immunomodulation has been proposed as a mechanism by which exercise benefits brain function, including preventing neurocognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases. We propose that immunomodulation through moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may be a potential approach to mitigate malaria-related neurocognitive and behavioral alterations.
For decades, the discovery of antiparasitics was dominated by whole-organism screening of intact parasite organisms or surrogate parasite models, such as Caenorhabitis elegans, using in vivo animal models or in vitro par...For decades, the discovery of antiparasitics was dominated by whole-organism screening of intact parasite organisms or surrogate parasite models, such as Caenorhabitis elegans, using in vivo animal models or in vitro parasite assays, the latter also known as phenotypic screening. Molecular target-based screening played only a minor role, if at all. While publications using phenotypic screening are abundant in the literature, publications of successful, marketed, antiparasitic drugs discovered using the molecular target-based approach are scarce. This approach, therefore, is often perceived as less relevant for antiparasitic drug discovery than the two other approaches. However, antiparasitics belonging, for example, to the isoxazolines, bispyrazoles, depsipeptides or praziquantel (PZQ) derivatives, imposingly demonstrate the value of this approach, when wisely used in a cooperative manner with phenotypic screening.